Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to recognise the bravery and sacrifice of members of Army bomb disposal units who were killed or maimed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

We recognise the debt and gratitude owed to all the Service personnel, and their families, who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community has long performed a particularly challenging and courageous role, including in Northern Ireland during the period 1969-2007.

Honours and decorations have rightly been bestowed on the EOD community in recognition of their selfless courage and commitment in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. In June 2016 the EOD Memorial at the National Arboretum was dedicated to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.