Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. I join colleagues in thanking him for the sincere apology he has delivered on the part of the State. However, I too am disappointed, like others, that the motivation of those of us who have raised this issue has been somehow questioned. Particular language is used. The report states: "Unfortunately, recent events have shown that evidence-based historical accuracy has become a casualty in the evolving narrative for the memory and ownership of the Battle of Jadotville." The report suggests that "some views ... are the product of incorrect information and grandstanding for effect". That language is insulting because there was unity within this House and at local authority level. At a meeting of Wexford County Council, the motion in support of the veterans of Jadotville was tabled by Councillor Garry Laffan. In Kilkenny, the motion was tabled by Councillor Joe Malone. They are former members of the Defence Forces and that is why they tabled the motions; it was not for a political reason.

My interest in this matter was sparked by the Reverend Mark Hayden in Gorey, where I am from. He organises a remembrance service every year for all those who served in uniform. He brought down Mr. Declan Power in 2005, soon after his book had been published. That engaged people. The film directed by Richie Smyth, based on that book, engaged the public far more. I accept that poetic licence was taken in the film. However, the story of those men had to be told. This was not done out of any bad motivation. It was about telling a story about our peacekeeping tradition, a story of which we are all proud. I know from talking to some of the veterans of Jadotville, and members of the Defence Forces and veterans more generally, that they feel passionately that this story should be told. This State tried to suppress that story for a long time.

Credit should also be given to Mr. Ronan McGreevy of The Irish Times. He was one of a number of journalists who continued to raise and tell that story. All that anybody here ever wanted was for that story to be told, that bravery and gallantry to be recognised, and the State to apologise and give some form of recognition to those veterans. I am disappointed at the basis of the findings of the report.

We can take learnings, going forward. The apology is important, as are the welfare issues. I take it that the Minister will sincerely work to address those issues. How we treat our Defence Forces more generally is an issue about which people are passionate. I look forward to the Minister ensuring that our Defence Forces and peacekeepers get the recognition they deserve. More than anything else, what is coming out of this House during this debate, as has come out of the House in previous debates during which many of us have raised this issue, is that we can say to the brave men of Jadotville that regardless of whether this report recommends medals, we recognise their gallantry and bravery. We are forever in debt to the contribution those people made to Irish peacekeeping and in ensuring that the strong role the Defence Forces have played internationally will always be recognised.