Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
108. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the commemoration for fallen service men and women which was due to take place on 8 November 2019 was cancelled; when it will be rescheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47332/19]
View answerI have been informed by the military authorities that the purpose of the Defence Forces Remembrance Ceremony is to provide an internal event for serving members and invited guests to commemorate members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who died in service in the past year. This event complements the existing barrack level ceremonies that take place in installations across the country in the first week of November each year.
The Defence Forces military leadership decided to reschedule the event to 4 December 2019, given that the funeral of Mr Gay Byrne, who was a national figure of major significance, was taking place on 8 November. The rescheduled event will take place at the National Memorial to the Defence Forces which is located in Merrion Square, Dublin.
