asked the Minister for Justice how many men in the various ranks of the Garda Síochána held the military service medal without bar as on 1st January, 1967.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Military Service Medal Holders.
138.
The number of members serving on 1st January, 1967, who were awarded the Service Medal without bar is 33, made up as follows:—one Deputy Commissioner, one chief superintendent, three superintendents, two inspectors, 12 sergeants and 14 guards.
I am informed that there are some others in the Force who would be entitled to claim for medals without bar if they so wished.
139.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will reconsider the question of granting added service to members of the Garda Síochána who hold a military service medal without bar.
Since 24th November, 1965, when I dealt very fully with this matter in reply to a Parliamentary Question, no new factors have arisen which would justify reconsideration. I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave on that date.
Would the Minister agree that the number in question is diminishing and having regard to this, will he not now give these people this extension? It is not too much to ask for, in the autumn of their lives, and it is not going to lead to any undesirable precedent.
Some frustration in regard to promotions might be caused if this were done. However, I will have another look at it.
If a year were added, would it block promotions?
It would.
It would only postpone them.
Yes. I will have a look at the matter again.
Look at it sympathetically.