Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Defence if he met with a person (details supplied); if he will report on this meeting; if the matter will be investigated further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27622/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my reply to a Priority Question in the House on 29 September 2005, I initiated contact with Mrs. Helen Barrett, following the inquest into the death of her son, Private Kevin Barrett. Private Barrett died on 18 February 1999, while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon.

I met with Mrs. Barrett on 4 October, 2005, accompanied by her solicitor. I listened carefully to what she had to say. During the course of this meeting, I apologised to Mrs. Barrett and her family for the pain and suffering they had experienced since Private Barrett's tragic death.

I indicated to Mrs. Barrett that I was still awaiting sight of the transcript of the coroner's inquest, which I understand will be available in a matter of weeks. When I have reviewed the transcript, I will decide what further action to take.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason persons (details supplied) were not honoured for their work with the United Nations following their horrific experiences in the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27942/05]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 510: To ask the Minister for Defence if the unfinished business of Irish Army United Nations soldiers in the Congo 1960-1964 will be dealt with; and the actions of the two Niemba survivors (details supplied). [27943/05]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 511: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason Congo war heroes were treated as cowards; if a person (details supplied) will get the maximum support for their work with the United Nations. [27944/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 to 511, inclusive, together.

Since Ireland took part in its first United Nations mission in 1958, Defence Forces personnel have performed approximately 54,000 tours of duty on 58 peace support operations worldwide. Because UN peacekeepers operate in strife-torn regions, practically every officer, NCO and private who has served overseas has been exposed to the hostile events of one sort or another.

While I fully appreciate that the experiences in the Congo were particularly distressing, it is also the case that many other members of the Defence Forces who have served overseas have been involved in serious and disturbing incidents where death and severe injury have resulted. This is in no way intended to denigrate the distress suffered by those involved. Rather, it is to indicate that service in a war-torn region inevitably exposes members of the Defence Forces to the possibility of involvement in incidents of a very serious and distressing nature.

The Defence Forces award bravery and distinguished service medals in exceptional circumstances. Cases for the award of such medals are examined in great detail having regard to the circumstances pertaining in each particular case and on the basis of comparison with previous similar awards. In 1962 a military board considered the various cases presented following action in the Congo, including the Niemba ambush, and made its recommendations. At that time, 22 cases were made for the award of the military medal for gallantry and only one such medal was awarded.

In the case of the distinguished service medal, a military board was convened in 1965 where 120 cases were made for this award and of those, only 24 were awarded. Clearly, such medals are only awarded only in rare and exceptional circumstances and the number of personnel recommended for the award of such medals is very small.

There is no award in the Defence Forces for survivors of hostile action. If such an award were to be created, it would have to be extended to all members of the Defence Forces who suffered in a similar way. As I have indicated so many personnel who serve overseas are exposed to various degrees of hostile action, significant numbers would qualify for such an award.

There are awards made to all personnel who serve on overseas missions, which aim to recognise the contribution made by the members of each contingent serving on the peacekeeping mission and the difficult circumstances in which they have to operate. In this regard, the personnel referred to have received both a United Nations medal, for their service in the Congo, awarded by the UN and the United Nations peacekeeping medal awarded by the Irish Government.