Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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98. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will review the awarding criteria for the Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain medal (2016) to ensure that long-serving members of the Defence Forces that left service prior to Easter 2016 will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15952/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 provided for the award of the 1916 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. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.

There are no plans to review the awarding criteria for the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to include former members of the Defence Forces. Discussions took place between the Department and the recognised Veterans’ Associations, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.

Following these discussions, it was agreed to present a framed medal with an accompanying citation to each of the Veterans Associations in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. In addition, plaques were given to each of ONE's Branches and each of IUNVA's Posts around the country.