Menu
07/05/2013
Apology And Pardon For 'Deserters'
Some 5,000 soldiers, once branded deserters, will be offered an official apology this afternoon in the Dáil, alongside a formal pardon.
The so-called deserters had joined British forces in the fight against Nazi Germany in World War II.
According to the Irish Time, some 60,000 Irish people, both men and women, left Irelands Defence Forces to join the fight against Nazism.
In 1949 legislation was passed that resulted in these people being considered deserters, who were subsequently dismissed from the Defence Forces without pension and barred from receiving State employment and welfare.
Mr Shatter, who will deliver the apology, said their contribution to the fight against Nazi advancement was “airbrushed out of history”.
Adding that it if Germany had invaded Britain then “Ireland was next on the list” and all those who had left Ireland to fight alongside British forces had done so to protect Ireland’s sovereignty and independence.
(H/CD)
The so-called deserters had joined British forces in the fight against Nazi Germany in World War II.
According to the Irish Time, some 60,000 Irish people, both men and women, left Irelands Defence Forces to join the fight against Nazism.
In 1949 legislation was passed that resulted in these people being considered deserters, who were subsequently dismissed from the Defence Forces without pension and barred from receiving State employment and welfare.
Mr Shatter, who will deliver the apology, said their contribution to the fight against Nazi advancement was “airbrushed out of history”.
Adding that it if Germany had invaded Britain then “Ireland was next on the list” and all those who had left Ireland to fight alongside British forces had done so to protect Ireland’s sovereignty and independence.
(H/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2024
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
13 March 2024
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
06 November 2015
Viable Device Made Safe In Dublin
A viable explosive device has been made safe in Dublin. A suspect package was discovered in Sallynoggin on Thursday night. Residents had to be evacuated from their homes while army bomb disposal experts made the device safe. The Defence Forces deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) who made the device safe at the scene.
Viable Device Made Safe In Dublin
A viable explosive device has been made safe in Dublin. A suspect package was discovered in Sallynoggin on Thursday night. Residents had to be evacuated from their homes while army bomb disposal experts made the device safe. The Defence Forces deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) who made the device safe at the scene.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
