Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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566. To ask the Minister for Defence in view of his power to do so, if he will waive or amend the four-year rule contained in Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series), Dress and Medals and agree to bestow Distinguished Service medals on persons (details supplied) in recognition of their heroic actions in relation to a fire on board the LÉ Cliona in 1962. [31000/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the provisions for the award of military medals are incorporated in Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series) - 'Dress and Medals'. The Regulations provide that a recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Service Medal must be made and forwarded to the Chief of Staff not later than four years after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.

I have been advised by the military authorities that there is no record of such a recommendation having been made, at the time of the event or at any time since, in respect of the individuals referred to by the Deputy. While acknowledging that these two men, along with the rest of the ship’s company, performed effectively in extinguishing the fire on the LÉ Clíona in 1962, there is no scope within the context of the provisions of Defence Force Regulations for further action with regard to the possible award of the Distinguished Service Medal. Furthermore, I have no plans to amend the Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series) in this regard.