Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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70. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider resolving the legacy issue of Naval Service veterans of the LÉ Cliona in view of the proposed changes in legislation to facilitate the awarding of medals to the men of A Company that took part in the siege of Jadotville. [32351/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Both of these events were separate and distinct and were commemorated separately and appropriately having regard to the individual circumstances of each.

Following a review by the military authorities into this incident, I presented Scrolls of Commendation to former crew members of the LÉ Cliona at a ceremony held on board the L.É. Niamh in Dublin on 1 September 2016, in formal recognition of their brave and decisive actions in bringing a serious fire on board the ship under control. Later that month, I also unveiled a plaque at the Naval Service Headquarters in Haulbowline commemorating the ship’s company of the LÉ Cliona for their team effort in ensuring the safe return of the ship to port following this fire. I am satisfied that the ceremonies which took place in 2016 fully reflect both my own and the Defence Forces appreciation of the great effort made by the crew of the LÉ Cliona on 29 May 1962.

The former Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, T.D. and I recently announced that the surviving members of the 35th Infantry Battalion A company, who fought at the Siege of Jadotville in 1961, would be awarded medals. This medal, which will be issued on behalf of the State, is to recognise their collective bravery during this unique incident. Planning is under way for a medals ceremony later this year.

The decision taken to honour those men who took part in the Siege of Jadotville is an exceptional step which builds upon my decision last year to award a Unit citation and gives full recognition to their performance during the Siege.