Jadotville ‘certainly not a closed book’ – Minister for Defence Simon Coveney
The award of medals to the veterans of the Siege of Jadotville is to be considered anew, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney told the Seanad yesterday.
The minster said “the issue is receiving further consideration now by my office and by the Chief of Staff”.
“I have asked the Chief of Staff for his views, in writing and in person. The Chief of Staff has proposed the establishment of an independent group of external experts to consider the entire case and evidence, including new evidence, if any, that is available,” the ministers told senators.
He said that it is his understanding that board will be made up of ex-military officers, a historian, and an academic who understands the context and what happened in detail.
“This independent review group will report its findings and recommendations to the Chief of Staff, as it should, and the Chief of Staff will then make recommendations as appropriate to my office on the basis of that work and the recommendations that come from it,” said Minister Coveney.
“I know there is huge emotion linked to the Jadotville case, and rightly so. This was something for us all, but in particular those linked to the Defence Forces, to be very proud of.
“The men who served there are responsible for extraordinary service to peacekeeping and to Ireland in what was an incredibly complex, challenging and difficult theatre of conflict.
“Governments, at different times and with different ministers, have tried to recognise that in different ways. The conversation still continues in relation to Jadotville. That is why I have asked the Chief of Staff and he has responded to me in a constructive way in terms of a process that we believe is appropriate.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to recall the contribution of all the men and women of the Defence Forces who have been deployed on missions in the cause of peace overseas.
“They are not only soldiers but also ambassadors, for Ireland, for what we stand for, and for our commitment to peace and peace management abroad. The continued participation in United Nations missions illustrates the very positive difference a small country like Ireland can make in many parts of the world which desperately need our intervention.
“I thank the Seanad for this opportunity to recognise the service overseas of so many Irish Defence Forces personnel, whether they be Air Corps, Naval Service or Army, which is the case for the vast majority.
“In particular, I thank the House for giving me an opportunity to give both the history and the perspective on Jadotville, which is certainly not a closed book.
“As soon as the Chief of Staff concludes the process that he has agreed to undertake, I will be more than happy to come back to the Seanad to talk about the recommendations and the decisions that can be made on the back of them.”
Senator Aidan Davitt comment
Senator Aidan Davitt, in his contribution in the Seanad, pointed out that Tom Gunn from Mullingar served in Jadotville.
"I welcome the minister here today. I certainly welcome the promised review. It is imperative that the committee is given a free path to make its own findings and recommendations. As the minister mentioned, the composition of the committee is most important.
"As the minister stated, two reviews where held in 1962 and 1965. In the fullness of time the narrative and perspective can change.
"I commend several local authorities, including my own one, Westmeath County Council, under the stewardship of the cathaoirleach, Ken Glynn.
"I know Joe Carroll in Cork, and several different local authorities had this on their agenda, which helped to speed this up. The A Company leader, Commandant Quinlan, had recommended that 27 of his men be awarded distinguished service medals and five received the military medal of gallantry.
"Tom Gunn from Mullingar served in Jadotville. I recommend that all the serving members are interviewed as part of this process."