Michael Bell
Question:72 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of requests made by Irish citizens to accept foreign decorations; and the number granted.
Written Answers. - Award of Foreign Decorations.
There are no requests on record from Irish citizens seeking Government approval to accept decorations awarded by foreign states.
However, the Government regularly receive inquiries from foreign Governments as to whether any objection would be raised to the award of decorations to individual Irish citizens. These requests are processed through my Department at official level and no objection is raised provided the decoration does not confer a title of nobility or honour which would bring it within the scope of Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution and therefore require prior approval of the Government. Since 1 January 1980, a total of 175 such requests have been received. In that period, no objections have been raised in relation to any such requests.