Labour TD welcomes Defence Forces pardon
'Since my election to the Dail in 2011, I have campaigned for this amnesty and pardon - they were essentially court-martialed by an Act of the Dail which forced many of them and their families into lives of penury. This was a vindictive measure illustrative of an Ireland early in its independence and uncomfortable in its relationship with Britain and the wider world,' he said.
'Rather than being treated as the heroes many now rightly consider them to be, the Irish State shunned and blackballed them from many jobs. Today's expected enactment of the Bill is an extremely welcome and courageous step by the government. '
The legislation granting a pardon and apology to soldiers who deserted the Defence Forces to fight in the second World War is expected to pass all stages in the Dáil today.
Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter said that the Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity Bill) 2012 was being enacted in recognition of the courage of those individuals court-martialled or dismissed from the Defence Forces who fought on the Allied side.
He added that it gave important statutory expression to the apology given by him on the State’s behalf last year for the “shameful manner’’ in which they were treated.
“The enactment of this legislation makes an important difference to thousands of families in the State and goes some way to right the wrongs of our past,’’ Mr Shatter said. “Unfortunately, many of the individuals whose situation is addressed in this Bill did not live to see the day that this State finally acknowledged the important role they played in seeking to ensure a free and safe Europe.”
Introducing the Bill in the Seanad last February, the Minister said it went without saying that the Defence Forces must retain the power to enforce discipline.