Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD, has said that while he welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Independent Review Group set up to examine, report and make recommendations in relation to the battle of Jadotville from 13 to 17 September 1961, he hoped that while an extension may well be warranted, it should not be allowed to run indefinitely.
The Wicklow TD said:
“I have raised the issue of securing deserved recognition for the actions of our Defence Forces at Jadotville on a number of occasions with the Minister.
“And I am glad that following our exchange in the Dáil in November last that the Minister has followed through on his undertaking to set up a Review Group, which I hope, will make right the wrong that has been done to these men.
“The State has an opportunity in this moment to finally, in this, the year of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Jadotville, to do right by the soldiers of the Irish Defence Forces, who fought so bravely in that engagement.
“That the state is only now, 60 years later, looking to review the events of the battle, lends a sense of urgency to this project.
“There are only a handful of survivors remaining, and the state owes them the decency of bringing this to a conclusion while they are still alive, that they may see the truth of their service recognised in their country before they die. “The Review Committee was scheduled to bring forward their findings on the 31st March – this week.
“I understand that there may well be a good reason for the request by the Review Group to seek an extension to the reporting date. But the review cannot be allowed to run on endlessly.
“I believe that recommendations need to be made to allow for a decision to be made well in advance of the 60th anniversary which occurs in September
“I have submitted a formal inquiry through a parliamentary question to the minister to determine why an extension is necessary.
“September of this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Jadotville, and I believe that it offers the perfect opportunity for the state to mark that occasion with a final and formal recognition of the extraordinary action of all of the Irish troops during the battle.”
