KENNY WELCOMES AMNESTY FOR IRISH ARMY VETERANS WHO FOUGHT FASCISM

Posted on December 18, 2012 4:48 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour Party TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice & Defence, Seán Kenny, today warmly welcomed the approval for the publication of the Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Bill 2012.

"Last June the Minister for Defence, Alan Shatter, apologised on behalf of the Government, for the manner in which those members of the Defence Forces who left to fight on the Allied side during the Second World War were treated after the War by the Irish State. As part of the Announcement the Government also committed to introducing legislation to grant a pardon/amnesty to those who absented themselves from the Defence Forces, without leave or permission, to fight on the Allied side.

"The Bill, if enacted, will provide for the granting of an amnesty and apology to those members of the Defence Forces who served with forces fighting on the Allied side during World War II, and who were subsequently found guilty by a military tribunal or who were dismissed from the Defence Forces. It will also provide immunity from prosecution, to those who were, or who still are, liable to be prosecuted for, desertion or being absent without leave.

"The Government acknowledged that the Second World War gave rise to circumstances that were grave and exceptional. Members of the Defence Forces left their posts at that time to fight on the Allied side against fascism and played an essential role in defending freedom and democracy. Those who fought on the Allied side also contributed to protecting the State's sovereignty and independence and democratic values.

"We should be proud of these compatriots who took great risk and made great sacrifices in what was a horrific brutal conflict, beyond anything we of subsequent generations have experienced. Constituents of mine have contacted me in relation to this issue, looking for closure in their last years, or looking for closure for family members who have since passed on. I hope that this Bill will put to rest the concerns of those individuals still alive, who served with the Allied Forces in the fight against fascism, and I also hope it lifts a veil for the families of those who have since died."