Vol. 453 No. 2
6 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Naval Service; and if he will present a silver jubilee medal to serving and past members to honour this historic occasion. [88240/95]
10 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to have a medal struck to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9027/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 10 together.
A comprehensive list of events has been drawn up by the Naval Service to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1996. The list includes cultural, social, liturgical and sporting events. The principal event of the year will be a fleet review, to include naval ships from other countries, with an associated programme of events planned for 12 to 14 July 1996 in Cork Harbour, the Naval base and Cork city.
As part of the 1996 celebrations, it is planned to hold a reunion of ex-members of the Naval Service. In addition, the Naval Service will present each 1946 veteran with a bronze commemorative medallion.
I am well aware of the arrangements which the Naval Service is making to ensure the maximum participation in commemorating the 50th anniversary of its foundation. There will be other opportunities to laud but in the question I specifically ask if either the Minister or the Department have any plans to commemorate the anniversary. The Minister should not rely solely on the Naval Service to make plans. Both he and the Department have a wider responsibility and should find some way of demonstrating how the country and the national interest has been served by the Naval Service. They should take the initiative given that the Naval Service has been a source of pride for a long time.
The Naval Service comes under the aegis of my Department. I have held discussions with Commander Kavanagh and the week before last I launched in Cork the programme for 1996. The Department is involved. It took the initiative by arranging for the striking of a bronze commemorative medallion which will be presented to each 1946 veteran. It may take other initiatives.
I welcome the decision to strike a medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Naval Service. We are fortunate to have a former member of the Naval Service among us in the Dáil. Will every person who has served in the Naval Service qualify to receive the medallion?
That is not our intention; it is the intention to present the medallion to those who entered the service in 1946.
As a former member of the Naval Service, I welcome the fact that celebrations will be held in the Cork Harbour area next year. The Minister has stated that it is the intention to present a medal to each person who entered the service in 1946.
Will the Deputy qualify?
I ask him to present a medal to all former members of the service, including myself. When the Garda Síochána commemorated its 50th anniversary all former members of the force received a medal. It is only fitting that all former members of the Naval Service should receive a medal, especially the relatives of those who lost their lives in the performance of their duties. It is not all that long ago when a number of people lost their lives trying to rescue seamen off a trawler in Bantry Bay. They should also be remembered.
It has been decided that we should focus on those who were in the service at the beginning. That is fitting but it in no way undermines our appreciation of the work of the Naval Service, particularly those who gave their lives. The medal will be presented to the 1946 veterans. I am afraid I cannot go any further.
There is a broad measure of agreement across all parties in the House that the Minister should take the extra step. It is right that he should signal our appreciation and find a way as happened in the case of other forces of commemorating those who lost their lives as well as the living. Many people pass on without having received recognition. It would be much better to provide recognition while people are still living.
The House appears to be unanimous on this matter. I will consider the Deputies' comments.
