Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received a report from the chief of staff on the findings of the board of officers established to examine events in Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17614/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I have received and examined the Jadotville report. The report fully exonerates the actions of A Company. At the time they surrendered, nothing would have been served by fighting on, except further and unnecessary bloodshed. It is clear from the report that the company and its commanding officer acted appropriately given all the circumstances. The report recommended that the events at Jadotville and the contribution of the 35th Battalion should be given appropriate recognition.

In this regard, I have decided that a plaque will be situated in Athlone to commemorate the events at Jadotville and the significant contribution of A Company and of the 35th Battalion, as a whole, to the UN peace support mission in the Congo. Planning regarding the plaque is advancing in the Western Brigade and it is anticipated that the plaque will be in situ by the end of this year.

I have also decided that portraits of Lt. Col. McNamee, 35th Battalion commander, and Comdt. Quinlan, company commander, A Company, will be commissioned and arrangements in this regard are underway. Once completed, it is intended that these portraits will hang in the Congo Room in the United Nations training school in the Curragh. I have been advised by the military authorities that it is anticipated that these portraits will also be completed before the end of the year.