I have had many discussions on Jadotville and the former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, is to be commended on ensuring the Jadotville medal was struck. I also owe a great debt of thanks to the Leader for organising the parade to commemorate those fine men in Athlone barracks. It has always been said that there were no recommendations for medals or that, if there were, they were not to be found. Company Sergeant Jack Prendergast, Sergeant John Monaghan, Sergeant Walter Hegarty, Corporal Tadhg Quinn and Private Gerald Hennelly were each nominated for the military medal for gallantry in Jadotville. Captain Liam Donnelly, Lieutenant Kevin Knightly, Lieutenant Noel Carey, Lieutenant Tom Quinlan, Company Sergeant Jack Prendergast, Sergeant John Monaghan, Sergeant Walter Hegarty, Sergeant Tom Kelly, Corporal James Rea, Corporal James Lucey, Corporal Tom McDonnell, Corporal John Foley, Corporal John McDonagh, Corporal John McManus, Corporal Tadhg Quinn, Corporal Michael Lynch, Private Joe O’Kane, Private Robert Larkin, Private Michael McCormack, Private Tom Gunn, Private Charles Cooley, Private Thomas Flynn, Private Michael Tighe, Private Daniel Molloy, Private John Nicell, Private Jim Feerey, Private Noel Stanley, Private Michael Brennan, Private Gerald Hennelly, Private Matt Quinlan and Private Michael Galvin were all nominated for the distinguished service medal for their action in Jadotville.

Thankfully, due to the work of the Defence Forces, these names were found. A total of 196 nominations for distinguished service medals for action in the Congo were discovered in recent days and the Minister of State with responsibility for defence, the Taoiseach and the Government will want to honour each of the people concerned. I believe the medals are long outstanding.