Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has considered the request from the Irish Soldiers Pardons Campaign to pardon Irish Defence Forces personnel who fought for the British Army during the Second World War; his plans regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that this is a very complicated issue and covers a wider range of individuals than those who deserted to join the British Army during World War II. Having regard to the wider dimensions of the issue, including for those who were actually tried by Court Martial for desertion during the Emergency and thereafter, my colleague, the Minister for Defence, referred the matter to the Attorney General's Office for advice. The matter required some further research by that office and detailed consideration of the wider implications of any proposed course of action. The Minister for Defence recently received the advice of the Attorney General and as part of his consideration he is engaged in further contact with the Attorney General's Office. Once the legal considerations have been fully examined, the Minister expects to make an early decision in the matter.