Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
686. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the 1916 to 2016 commemorative medals issued to members of the Defence Forces for their respective contributions and service to the State were not also issued to members of the emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31397/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provided for the award of a 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, both Permanent and Reserve, who served during the centenary year of 2016.
Recognition of the contribution to the State by members of the emergency services is a matter that is not within my remit as Minister with responsibility for Defence.
