Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 615: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in view of the outstanding voluntary service over so many years by so many in the FCA, it is proposed to provide a special medal to mark the disbandment of the FCA and the establishment of the RDF. [33901/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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On 1 October 2005, the establishment of the Army Reserve, Cúltaca an Airm, and Naval Service Reserve, Cúltaca an tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh, of the Reserve Defence Force was marked by a special military ceremony in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick. This occasion also marked the end of the FCA and An Slua Muirí and represented an important milestone in the reserve defence force review implementation plan process. In my speech at that ceremony, I expressed my thanks and that of the Government to all the members of the FCA and An Slua Muirí, for their loyalty and dedication throughout the years.

The provision of a medal, An Bonn Seirbhíse, FCA agus An Slua Muirí, for service in the FCA and An Slua Muirí, is provided for in regulation DFR A9, new series and in admin. instructions. There are no plans for the provision of another special medal to mark such periods of voluntary service in the FCA and An Slua Muirí. An amendment to DFR A9, new series, and admin. instructions will provide for the issue of service medals to members of the newly established Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. The question as to the appropriate service requirements for such medals is under consideration.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 616: To ask the Minister for Defence if, with the issue of long service medals to members of the RDF, earlier service in the FCA will be taken into account. [33902/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of a medal, An Bonn Seirbhíse, FCA agus An Slua Muirí, for service in the FCA and An Slua Muirí, is provided for in regulation DFR A9, new series, and in admin. instructions. An amendment to DFR A9, new series, and admin. instructions will provide for the issue of service medals to members of the newly established Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. The question as to the appropriate service requirements for such medals is under consideration.