Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
136. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if any proposals have been submitted to her Department since 2016 seeking the extension of the 1916-2016 Commemorative Medal or the establishment of a separate 1916 centenary medal for veterans and retired members of the Defence Forces who took part in commemoration events; and if she will provide details of any such proposals. [48160/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has engaged with veterans' organisations (details supplied) regarding recognition of retired members who took part in commemoration events; and if she will provide details of any such proposals. [48162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 138 together.
At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel.
Following a Government decision, the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) was formally established on 10 November 2025. The creation of this dedicated office displays the Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans in recognition of the contribution and service they have made to the State.
My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE). My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations, as well as the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) and the Retired Enlisted Members Association (REMA), to discuss matters of concern to their members.
With regard to the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal, the Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 included the commitment to award 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, who served during the centenary year of 2016 and in recognition of their contribution to the centenary commemorative events that year.
The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was commissioned to mark a significant event and a particular moment in time. In this matter a new Defence Forces Regulation (DFR), was written and published by the Minister for Defence in November 2016, giving clear, legal effect to the once-off nature of the award.
The issue of whether the medal should also be awarded to veterans was raised immediately, at meetings in December 2016 and February 2017. In recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016, a framed medal was presented to the Veterans’ Associations formally recognised by the Department of Defence, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), together with a plaque for each of the 21 Posts of IUNVA and the 41 Branches of ONE around the country.
The recognised Veterans Associations have raised this issue at the regular meetings with the Department, and a number of representations on this issue have also been made by individual veterans.
The Department recently conducted a detailed review of this matter, including correspondence with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Following careful consideration and consultation, supported by military advice from the Chief of Staff, it was decided that the original 2016 award parameters should remain unchanged. The 2016 parameters were deemed clear, legally grounded, proportionate, and consistent with international best practice for once-off national commemorations. Any change to these parameters would conflict with the framework established in 2016 and undermine the once-off intent publicly communicated as part of the State Centenary Program.
The OVA will continue to engage with the Veterans Associations regarding various issues, including service recognition. I would like to again emphasis my respect and admiration of our ex-service personnel and their service to the State.
