Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
89 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the excellent work carried out by the FCA and Civil Defence during the course of the Special Olympics, if some small memento such as a special medal being struck to acknowledge their voluntary participation during same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18928/04]
View answerService in the Second Line Reserve is rendered on a voluntary part-time basis. I am very conscious of the time and effort which members of the FCA and Slua Muirí freely give by participating in training and other activities in their own time. Their willingness to serve in a voluntary capacity, and the dedication and enthusiasm that they consistently display, is appreciated in their local communities throughout the country. It is also deeply appreciated by the Government.
This contribution was of course particularly in evidence last year when the Reserve Defence Force played a hugely important support role to the Special Olympics. A total of 9,359 man days were expended in a variety of areas including driver, administration, communications, medical and ceremonial activities. The involvement of the reserve in the Special Olympics exemplified the versatility and capability of the members of the organisation in the execution of a multiplicity of diverse tasks. Their involvement was a major factor contributing to the Special Olympics being such an outstanding international success.
Specific Defence Force regulations apply to the organisation and administration of the Reserve Defence Force. Members of the Second Line Reserve and the Permanent Defence Force are treated similarly in that completion of a specified period of satisfactory service is recognised by the award of service medals and bars.
Members of the Second Line Reserve, which consists of An Forsa Cosanta Áitiuil and An Slua Muirí, are awarded An Bonn Seirbhise — the Service Medal — on completing seven years satisfactory service. A bar is added to the medal on completing 12 years' satisfactory service and a second bar on completing 21 years' satisfactory service. There are currently no plans to change the relevant regulation to provide for other additional categories of medal.
Defence Force regulations do not provide for the issue of medals to Civil Defence personnel who are not members of the Defence Forces.
