Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
154. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the review of the processes of awarding military medals; when he expects the review to be completed; if he intends to implement changes to the processes involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53791/23]
View answer155. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he could utilise the same discretion that established the Independent Review Group on Jadotville to review the potential of awarding a military medal for gallantry to a person (details supplied); if he will ensure that such a review is completed before the 25th anniversary of the person's death in May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53792/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities. As the Deputy may be aware, Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Force Medals.
I am advised that, in general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.
DFR A9 also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces. This regulation sets out the various types of medal awards. ‘Medal award’ serves as an overarching category and then various subcategories are further set out under each ‘medal award’. These subcategories are: classes of award, bar to medal, investigation by military board, time limit for award, and administrative instructions. The details provided underneath each of these headings essentially lay out the protocols for the awarding of these medals.
In accordance with Defence Forces Regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time-bound. Medals may not be awarded unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.
Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
There is a requirement to maintain the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, and the process for awarding medals, as provided for in DFR A9.
However, the Deputy will be aware that I have raised these matters with the Chief of Staff, in the context of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group on Jadotville namely to include the review of the system of awarding medals.
I have been informed by the military authorities that the matter of reviewing the process of awarding medals is active and ongoing. I have also been advised that the Chief of Staff has directed that a working group is to be established for this purpose, with this working group to produce an interim report by the end of Quarter 1 in 2024.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I will duly consider any proposals that may result from this review.
