asked the Minister for Defence the procedure for the recommending and awarding of medals for gallantry to members of the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Gallantry Medals.
85.
The procedure for the award of An Bonn Míleata Calmachta, the Military Medal for Gallantry is laid down in Defence Force Regulations. Under these regulations, the initial recommendation for the award may be made by an officer of the Defence Forces. The award is made by me on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff.
86.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state, for each calendar year since troops were first posted to the Congo, the number of recommendations made for the award of medals for gallantry, the number of awards made, the number which have been refused, the number still under consideration, and the estimated time before such consideration will be completed.
A military board appointed by the Chief of Staff pursuant to Defence Force Regulations, for the purpose of examining and reporting on initial recommendations for the award of An Bonn Míleata Calmachta made one recommendation only for the award of the medal. The medal was duly awarded.
A second board which has been appointed to consider further initial recommendations has not yet furnished its report. I expect it to do so at an early date.