Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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633. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason members of the Civil Defence did not receive the 1916 Commemoration medal; if he will reconsider and present these medals to them in view of the invaluable service that they carry out on a voluntary basis for the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2629/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government provided for the award of a 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, both Permanent and Reserve, who served during the centenary year of 2016.  I am fully aware of the excellent service given by the volunteer members of Civil Defence right across the country, both in emergency and non-emergency situations. Civil Defence played a full part in contributing to the success of many of the events which were held across the country last year to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. The type of support Civil Defence provided ranged from a marching element in the State ceremony held in Dublin on Easter Sunday to the provision of first aid at local community events.

In recognition of the efforts of Civil Defence volunteers I recently approved the commissioning of a special 1916 commemorative medal be awarded to all members of Civil Defence who were active in 2016. Arrangements for the presentation of the medals will be made in due course.