Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1270: To ask the Minister for Defence if a special medal of recognition of service will be considered for all members of the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1368/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Members of the second line reserve, which consists of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, (now being re-named as the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve, respectively) are awarded An Bonn Seirbhíse on completing seven years satisfactory service. A bar is added to the medal on completing 12 years satisfactory service and a second bar on completing 21 years satisfactory service. Service in the second line reserve is rendered on a voluntary part-time basis. Specific Defence Forces regulations apply to the organisation and administration of that body. These regulations provide for such matters as the assessment of conduct during service on a broader and more general basis than would be appropriate in the context of the Permanent Defence Force. However, members of the second line reserve and the Permanent Defence Force are treated similarly in that completion of a specified period of satisfactory service is recognised by the award of service medals and bars. The relevant periods required in the case of the second line reserve compare very favourably with those required of members of the Permanent Defence Force. On discharge, members of the second line reserve are issued with a certificate of discharge. A statement of service can also be obtained on request. There are currently no plans to change the relevant regulations to provide for other additional categories of medal.