Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is welcome. I thank him for coming to the House. It is important to welcome the apology he gave on behalf of the Government in his opening statement. I acknowledge the effort he has made previously in commissioning this report.

We live in a democracy and the Defence Forces are there to defend our democracy. Senators, Deputies and councillors are elected to represent the views of the people within our democracy. I take issue with comments in the report. I went back to the comments I made during a debate last November. I was one of the last people to speak at that time. I said I agreed with the numerous comments that had been made and that it was up to the military, and not politicians, to decide the matter of who receives medal. "We need to right a wrong", I said, "it is as simple as that". The common theme when we last discussed the matter was that we politicians were not there to interfere. The comments in the report are disappointing.

There has been disappointment in my local constituency, particularly in the Athlone area from which many of the men came. I welcome the recommendations to erect a plaque in Custume Barracks. I welcome the State ceremony that is to take place on the 60th anniversary. I welcome the supports that are going to be put in place, particularly for Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, ONE. I wish to recognise the work it does across the country, particularly in my own county. It is also important to remember the 156 men from A Company and thank them for their service to our country. I particularly thank Private Sean Dowler from my own parish who was one of those 156 men. It is important to remember all the members of the Defence Forces who have given their lives to serving the country.

I was asked by Senator Joe O'Reilly to add a comment he did not have time to make. Former soldiers have said to him that they feel medals should only be given to officers.