29/10/2012

World War II Pardons Legislation To Be Published In November

Labour T.D., Gerald Nash, has confirmed that the legislation to pardon Irish Defence Forces members who deserted to fight with the Allies in World War II, is to be published before the end of November.

He said: "Last summer, Minister for Defence, Alan Shatter, announced plans to legislate for a pardon for those who left their posts in the Defence Forces and took up arms with the Allies in various theatres in the Second World War.

"I am pleased that he has confirmed to me in a Parliamentary Question reply today, that the legislation giving effect to the pardon will be published before the end of November.

"I am glad that the pardons campaign has received cross party support from all major parties representing the Irish people North and South.

"I look forward to the debate in the Dáil on the legislation in the coming weeks. I am sure it will be in stark contrast to the vitriolic tone which characterised many of the contributions from the De Valera’s government in the exchanges around the introduction of the Emergency Powers (No. 362) Order 1945, passed on 8th August 1945, otherwise known as the 'Starvation Order'.

"With the passage of time and a greater, more rounded understanding of our complex history which this distance has brought, it is gratifying to see that this campaign is coming to an appropriate and timely conclusion for the small number of veterans who are still with us, and in honour the memory of those whose names appeared on 'The List' and who have passed away."

(CB/IT)

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