asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether it is proposed to issue a special medal to long-term soldiers of the Defence Forces, and, if so, whether reserve service will qualify for the grant of this medal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Long Service Medals.
It is proposed to award a medal—to be known as the "Army Service Medal"—to officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the permanent force, Army chaplains and members of the Army nursing service who possess the necessary qualifications.
It is not the intention that reserve service will qualify for this medal.
Would the Minister say, or can he say at this stage, what length of service would constitute service for the purpose of the medal?
I do not wish to be taken as very accurate but I think the period is six years for the medal and a bar for every extra five years.