Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Minister for Defence to outline his plans as part of the commemoration of the 1916 centenary to award medals to serving members of the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6026/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The State is undertaking a comprehensive programme of commemorations during 2016 which commenced on New Year’s Day in Dublin Castle. All elements of the Defence Forces will play a very central and important role in many of the historic events taking place during 2016. The question of issuing a medal to commemorate the centenary is being considered in the context of further initiatives that may be introduced as part of the 2016 Commemorations. At this time, however, no decision has been made to issue a medal or the terms on which such a medal might issue. The Deputy may wish to note that I have decided to introduce a medal to recognise the service of Defence Forces personnel on humanitarian and non-Peace Support Operations. This medal will be known as the Internal Operational Services Medal and will apply to those personnel who completed a minimum of 60 days uninterrupted operational service overseas. The Department is putting in place the necessary amendments to the Defence Forces Regulations.