Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 1044: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his consideration of the issue of pardons for those who deserted the Irish Defence Forces to fight fascism in World War II and who were subsequently subjected to the provisions of the Emergency Powers Order 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate this is a very complicated issue and covers a wider range of individuals than those who deserted to fight with the Allied Forces in 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, I referred the matter to the Attorney General's Office for advice. I recently received the advice of the Attorney General in this regard and am considering that advice with a view to determining a way forward on this issue.