Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Questions (325)

Patrick Costello

Question:

325. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will seek to have the plaque at the monument to the Defence Forces in Merrion Square, Dublin 2 amended to correct the misspelling of the word emanate which appears as eminate. [27857/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State was unveiled at a ceremony in November 2008. The ceremony was led by the then President, Mrs. Mary McAleese, who laid a wreath at the memorial.

The memorial which is situated in a prominent position close to Dáil Éireann and to Government Buildings was designed by Mr. Brian King. It is a pyramid shape made primarily of granite slabs resting on a steel frame interspaced with toughened glass panels. Four Defence Force personnel in relief are cast in bronze, representing the Air Corps, Army and Naval Service and the Reserve. The sentries stand to attention guarding the eternal flame that emanates from the Defence Forces Badge at the centre of the structure.

This memorial stands as public recognition of the contribution and sacrifice made by members of the Defence Forces whether at home or on peace support operations overseas.

With regard to the Deputy's specific enquiry, I can advise that my Department is currently investigating the matter but it has not been possible in the time available to prepare a substantive response on the matter.

A substantive response to the question raised will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question in relation to the National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State at Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

A substantive response on the matter was not provided to you in advance of the deadline for Parliamentary Questions responses as the issue was being researched.

The original plaque erected at the memorial at the time of unveiling in 2008 had been replaced since with the misspelling appearing in the replacement plaque. My Department is researching the matter further but I can confirm that steps will be taken to correct the misspelling.

I would like to thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.