Cormac Devlin
Question:30. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to protect the use of the term "Óglaigh na hÉireann"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13027/24]
View answerThursday, 21 March 2024
Questions (30)
Written answers
In December 2023, the Government approved the drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023.
It is intended that this Bill will provide for various amendments to be made to the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015, one of which will be to provide for the protection of the term “Óglaigh na hÉireann”.
This proposed amendment reflects the central aim of the Private Member’s Bill (“The Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021”) which was introduced into the Seanad by Senator Malcolm Byrne.
The purpose of the amendment will be to provide that it shall be an offence for a person without the authority of the Minister for Defence to use the term ‘Óglaigh na hÉireann’ or any words closely resembling this term, as the name, title or description, or styling of any organisation, group, association or body, or as part of the name, title, description or styling of any organisation, group, association or body. A person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a class D fine. Any such offence may be prosecuted by the Minister for Defence in accordance with section 7 of the Defence Act 1954.
The drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 is being progressed in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.