Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will clarify the serious mistakes regarding the Niemba Massacre of Irish troops in the Congo in 1960 based on the Government's inquiry; and if he will support persons (details supplied) on this matter. [38519/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware I addressed this matter during Priority Questions on Thursday 16 November 2006 last.

The Chief of Staff appointed Col. Tom Behan to examine all aspects of the Niemba ambush. Due to the breadth of this investigation, this process has taken some time. I have now had a chance to review this Report. I would like to congratulate Col. Behan for the time and effort he has expended in researching this sensitive and harrowing episode in Irish Military History.

The ambush occurred almost forty-six years ago. It was the first such action involving the horrific deaths of Defence Forces personnel on a scale which still remains unique. It has never been very far from public consciousness. However, the actual horror of the event has faded from the national psyche at this remove. Reading this Report will bring it back into sharp focus for anybody who will read it. I would like to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by all the members of the patrol at that time. I want to again extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all those who died. I would like to take this opportunity to underline the courage, fortitude and tenacity displayed by Privates Kenny and Fitzpatrick in order to survive.

I will now concentrate on the conclusions of the Report. On the 8th of November, 1960, an eleven man patrol, commanded by Lt. Kevin Gleeson was attacked by a large number of Baluba tribesmen while on patrol from their base at Niemba and quickly overwhelmed.

There are two principal areas of controversy in regard to the record of this ambush. Both concern Trooper Browne and Private Kenny. The first question is where exactly did Trooper Browne die, and the second is what did Trooper Browne do to contribute to the survival of Private Kenny. I will address the matter of where Trooper Browne died first. From the extensive research and interviews carried out by Col. Behan, his final conclusion is that Trooper Browne fired his weapon to distract the Baluba attackers from their task of beating Private Kenny to death. He further concludes, on the balance of probabilities, that Trooper Browne managed to then escape his pursuers, wounded or otherwise, making his way to the village of Tundula only to be killed by hostile Balubas two days later. Therefore, the previous supposition that he died at the ambush site and that Baluba tribesmen carried away his remains cannot be substantiated. Likewise, the conclusion outlined above that he died at Tundula cannot be definitively substantiated.

The second area of controversy in regard to the record of the Niemba ambush is what did Trooper Browne do to contribute to the survival of Private Kenny. The report clearly concludes that prior to his escape from the ambush site, Trooper Browne fired his weapon at the Balubas who were intent on beating Private Kenny to death, thereby distracting them and saving his life. The Medal Board convened in 1961 awarded Trooper Browne the Military Medal for Gallantry.

Despite all the research, consultation and interviews there is no absolute certainty achievable in regard to these two matters of controversy. I do however wish to address some of the ambiguity that may have resulted from the two scenarios recorded in the unit history. In the absence of the wide and detailed research available to me now, the best advice previously available to me was that Trooper Browne most likely died at the scene of the ambush and the Baluba tribesmen carried his remains away. This must now be discounted. I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Private Kenny (particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained), and Private Fitzpatrick survived an horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued. I commend them both for the selfless service they have given their country and hope that this report will bring some peace of mind to them both.

While the award of a medal is not considered appropriate on this occasion, I am examining proposals of how best these two men's contribution can be suitably recognised and honoured. In addition, I intend to invite both at the earliest opportunity to attend a suitable Defence Forces event at which I will acknowledge their contribution publicly. I have also made arrangements for copies of the Official Report on the Niemba Ambush to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.