Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his efforts on the pardons issue for the Shot at Dawn Campaign; and the progress made with the British Government. [33960/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My officials met with the British Ministry of Defence in London on 6 February 2004 to discuss the 26 Irish born soldiers who were executed by the British army during the First World War for alleged breaches of military law. At that meeting it was agreed that the British side would forward the courts martial case files for the Irish men in question, and that in response we would formally set out our position in writing.

Following a thorough evaluation of the case files, which we received in April 2004, and the consideration of extensive supplementary information provided by a number of sources, my officials prepared a comprehensive report on this matter, which the embassy in London submitted to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on my behalf on 27 October 2004.

None of these men were charged with what would be viewed as the most serious of military crimes, such as treacherously deserting to the enemy or mutiny. In fact, contemporary public and parliamentary dissatisfaction with the number and manner of military executions during the First World War was such that the death penalty was repealed for the military offences under which each execution took place only ten years after the war had ended. In addition, evidence suggests a disparity in the treatment of lower ranks in comparison to officers, statistical evidence that highlights a harsher disciplinary regime faced by men from Ireland in comparison to men from other countries, and numerous references to the need for an example to be made when sentencing was being considered.

The report concludes that the cumulative effect of the issues raised therein casts serious doubt on the safety of these courts martial convictions and subsequent executions. We have therefore asked that the British Government consider our report with a view to re-establishing the good name of these Irishmen. The Government is in ongoing contact with the British Government with the objective of securing a response which we hope will help resolve the matter and bring some comfort to the families of the men involved.