Defence Force service medal

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For Written Answer on : 03/05/2023
Question Number(s): 72 Question Reference(s): 20612/23
Department: Defence
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the situation with respect to entitlement to a service medal for a person who served five years in the Permanent Defence Forces and continued a further seven years in the First Line Reserve; if such a person is entitled to a service medal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The military authorities have advised that Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded Defence Forces Medals. The award of Service Medals for both Officers and Non Commissioned Officers and Privates is as follows:

1. DFR A9 Paragraph 4a provides that the qualifying service for the award of the Service Medal to an officer shall be satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force for a period of 5,475 days or the aggregate of satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force and the Reserve of Officers (First Line) for a period of 5,475 days (15yrs). 

2. DFR A9 Paragraph 5a provides that the qualifying service for the award of the Service Medal to a non-commissioned officer or Private shall be satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force for a period of 3,650 days, or the aggregate of satisfactory and continuous service in the Permanent Force and the Reserve of Men (First Line) for a period of 3,650 days (10 yrs).