Call for early completion of review into bravery award for Mayo Private Billy Kedian
THE Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee has called for the early completion of a review into the awarding of the Military Medal for Gallantry to the late Mayo Private Billy Kedian.
Private Kedian (21), from Ballyhaunis, died while displaying 'selfless and exceptional bravery' in saving the lives of 14 colleagues in the Lebanon in 1999.
He has never received official recognition for his bravery as regulations have, to date, denied the awarding of the honour - the highest award for bravery.
Under the regulations, there is a time-frame that states a submission should be made within two years of the actual act.
The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has today published its report on the awarding of Defence Force medals, recommending that the two-year time-frame be reviewed.
It notes that the awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities and that Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria.
In accordance with the regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time-bound.
They may not be awarded, in any case, unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.
Committee cathaoirleach Deputy Charlie Flanagan said: “The committee was pleased to meet colleagues of Private Billy Kedian last month to discuss proposed amendments to the framework for awarding military medals for gallantry.
“Private Billy Kedian, a soldier of the 1st Battalion in Galway, was killed on 31 May 1999 while serving in the Lebanon. He is one of several members of the Defence Forces who have lost their lives and have never been recognised for it.”
The committee agreed the following:
• Noting that the award and the criteria for the award of Military Medal of Gallantry (MMG) are provided for in Defence Force Regulation DFR A9 the committee recommends for a change to the governing regulation by the removal of the timeline of two years for submission of such cases for review.
• Notwithstanding the committee's request for a review of the two-year rule, a simple granting of a derogation by the minister to allow for the specific case of Pte Billy Kedian to be examined, due to the time-sensitive nature of this case, is strongly recommended.
• The committee calls for the early completion of the review of Pte Billy Kedian’s case.
Meanwhile, in November, Mayo County Council give the green light for funding to the tune of €10,000 to be allocated for the erection of a memorial to the late army officer outside his home town of Ballyhaunis this coming May, marking the 25th anniversary of his death in the Lebanon.
The funding will cover half the costs of the memorial, and an iDonate page has been set up to raise the other €10,000. See the Friends of Billy Kedian Facebook page for more information.