A special medal is to be awarded to all the Irish soldiers who fought during the Siege of Jadotville.
Legislation will have to be introduced to allow the Government award the medals to the men or their next of kin.
In September 1961 around 150 Irish soldiers, working as UN Peacekeepers, defended the town of Jadotville in the Katanga area of the Congo.
They held out against an overwhelming rebel force of around 3,500 soldiers for several days before surrendering when they ran out of ammunition and food.
Around 300 rebels were killed but there were no Irish casualties.
There has been a long campaign to honour the men for their bravery.
A unit citation was given to the Company last year but following agreement at Cabinet, the Taoiseach announced that the men of A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion would individually would be honoured.
The award is to recognise "their bravery and courage during the unique circumstances of the Siege of Jadotville."
While there is no existing provision for the awarding of such a medal, legislation will have to be introduced to allow the State to do this. In addition to a new Defence Forces Regulation, the new medal will have to be designed and tendered.
The siege was the subject of a well-received film of the same name which was released last year.
