Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
137. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has examined the arrangements adopted by An Garda Síochána in relation to the Garda Síochána Centenary Medal in considering recognition of former members of the Defence Forces who took part in commemoration events; and if she will provide details of any such proposals. [48161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel.
The Department recently conducted a detailed review of the issues raised by Veterans Associations in relation to the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal. This review included an examination of the arrangements adopted by An Garda Síochána in relation to the Garda Síochána Centenary Medal (2022).
The Defence Forces 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was never intended to be issued to all personnel who had served in Óglaigh na hÉireann since the organisation was established, rather those who were in service during the centenary year of 2016, as set out in Defence Forces Regulations (DFR) and agreed by the State Centenary Programme Committee .
The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was commissioned to mark a significant event and a particular moment in time. This was similar to the 'War of Independence' medal series, where very clear qualification criteria were established for awarding these medals. In this matter a new 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.
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 recently conducted review of this matter, including military advice from the Chief of Staff, concluded that the original 2016 award parameters should remain unchanged. Any deviation from this would conflict with the framework established in 2016 and run counter to the once off intent publicly communicated as part of the State Centenary Programme.
