James O'Connor
Question:55. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the allocation of the 1916 centenary medal to ex-service personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24960/21]
View answerThursday, 13 May 2021
Questions (55)
Written answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 provided for the award of the 1916 Commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016. There are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces.
Discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Associations; the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.
Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. In addition, plaques were given to IUNVA and ONE for distribution to their network of posts and branches around the country.