Jadotville medals legislation
Deputy Farrell sought timing for legislation to award bravery medals to the survivors and families of the Jadotville soldiers. Minister of State Kehoe said a short Bill may be needed, but a Cabinet decision might suffice, and hoped to have it before the summer recess.
I welcome the decision of the previous Cabinet under Deputy Enda Kenny to award medals of bravery to members of A Company, 35th Battalion of the Army, in regard to the events of September 1961 in the Congo. I understand legislation is required to award those medals to the survivors of that particular incident and the families of those who have sadly passed. I understand legislation is to be brought forward on this matter and I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could inform the House as to when that might happen.
Comment on this
I was delighted to recognise, along with the former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, the bravery of the men at the siege of Jadotville in 1961 on a UN-mandated mission. I am not sure if we require legislation or if a Cabinet decision might suffice to award medals. If legislation is required, it will be a very short Bill and, hopefully, I will have it in before the summer recess.