asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to give effect to a decision arrived at by the previous Government to issue long and short service medals to those members of the Defence Forces who complete their full term or alternatively ten years' service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Long and Short Service Medals.
It is anticipated that effect will shortly be given to a proposed scheme for the award of a medal, to be known as "Bonn Seirbhíse an Airm" or, in English, "The Army Service Medal" to serving non-commissioned officers and men of the permanent force, as well as to ex-non-commissioned officers and men, who have rendered the appropriate qualifying service in the forces. The main qualification for the award of the medal will be satisfactory and continuous service in the permanent force for a period of not less than ten years. A bar to the medal will be awarded in respect of an additional five years' service.