Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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209. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if arrangements can be made to allow for the provision of a service medal for the Defence Forces (details attached) in an effort to acknowledge the significant contribution made by the Defence Forces during Operation Fortitude to the HSE and to the people of Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47202/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There is a specific process in place concerning the award of medals to members of the Defence Forces, as set out in Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 and the associated Administration Instructions, wherein the qualifying criteria and procedures required for the awarding of Defence Forces Medals, in addition to the various types of medal awards, are delineated. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.

The Deputy may be aware that this proposal has already been sent to my Department and was sent through the appropriate channels for consideration. The military authorities have previously informed me that the Chief of Staff tasked his staff to conduct a thorough analysis of the proposal to award a pandemic service medal to Defence Forces personnel in line with the criteria detailed in DFR A9. Following consideration of these deliberations, the Chief of Staff confirmed to me that he does not recommend the award of such a medal.

I can confirm that I have recently received additional material in relation to the proposal. This material will be forwarded to the Chief of Staff for his consideration.