Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
55. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of 1916 commemorative medals produced in 2016; the organisations to which members were awarded medals; the number of such medals unallocated and held by the relevant authority; and the costs associated with this. [33178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Programme for Government, it was decided that a 1916 Commemorative Medal be awarded to all Defence Forces personnel who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This included all members of the Permanent Defence Force, the Reserve Defence Force, the Chaplaincy Service and the Army Nursing Service.
Separately and at my request, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans' Organisations, to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 1916. I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA's 21 posts and to each of ONE's 41 branches.
The Defence Forces inform me that 12,500 medals were procured, of which 29 remain unallocated. There is no specific cost associated with holding unallocated medals.
As Minister with responsibility for Defence, and in recognition of the efforts of Civil Defence volunteers during 2016, I approved the commissioning of a 1916 Commemorative Medal for Civil Defence. This was awarded to members of Civil Defence who were active in 2016.
