Recognition of Irish Military Service at Jadotville in 1961: Statements
Seanad Éireann — 2020-11-11
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Lisa Chambers (FF), Cultural and Educational Panel

I welcome the Minister's saying that a review board is to be set up. I commend Vice Admiral Mark Mellett on his flexibility in this regard. I agree with the Minister's position that it is not for politicians to award medals; it is for the military to do so. I think there is something special about the siege of Jadotville. That is why it has exercised us for so many years and why there is such emotion in this House and beyond. Former military personnel have spoken in this House from personal experience. Something makes this different from other instances. I take the Minister's point on board.
I wish to make a wider point while the Minister is present. We have a strange relationship with our Defence Forces. We do not do enough to acknowledge the Defence Forces' role and their special place within our society. We need to do more on promoting the Defence Forces. The loss of so many members of the Reserve Defence Force is particularly regrettable because they were the personal connection in each town and village in Ireland with the Defence Forces and with the uniform. That link has been broken and is gone. Work on promoting our Defence Forces more broadly would be very welcome.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2020-11-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:48:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2020-11-11