Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last Friday, a monument, if you could call it that, was unveiled in Custume Barracks in Athlone. The inscription on it read: "Honouring the unwavering support of the families of personnel of A Company 35 Infantry Battalion ONUC". Rarely have I seen anything that offended people to such a degree. Half of the families were not invited although I got an invitation. The Quinlans did not get an invitation until two days after the RSVP closed. The sole living officer from Jadotville got an invitation by phone call the day before the event. Company Sergeant Michael Tighe died in March of this year and an invitation was sent to his house with his name and that of his partner on it. What the hell were the organisers thinking? This Jadotville thing has rattled on since 1961 with incremental move after incremental move insulting and hurting families more and more each time. I believe the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, owes the families a deep apology at this stage. I have rarely in my life come across people who are so hurt and so injured. One woman wrote to the Minister and spoke for ten families when she said they wanted nothing to do with this event. They had not been consulted or asked. It was a box-ticking exercise for somebody, but not for the families it was supposed to represent. It is a bad day's work for the Oireachtas, for the Minister and for the Department when something like that happens.

Before I finish, I will speak about yesterday, which was a wonderful day in Leinster House and a wonderful day for the Seanad. I compliment the Cathaoirleach on the great job he did and each of those who were chosen to speak. The speeches yesterday were fantastic. They were really good. For once I felt the Seanad shone a very bright light for what goes on in this House. I look forward to the reform that is coming in the near future.