Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence publishes report on the awarding of Defence Force Medals

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence notes that the awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities and that Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded Defence Forces Medals.

In general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.

Military medals are bestowed in recognition of specific acts or service which can vary in significance from routine duty to bravery and valour. Military medals are highly valued and are regarded as representing all that is best in the field of human endeavour.

In accordance with Defence Forces Regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time-bound. They may not be awarded, in any case, unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made.

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.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Charlie Flanagan said: “The Committee was pleased to meet colleagues of Private Billy Kedian last month to discuss proposed amendments to the framework for awarding military medals for gallantry. Private Billy Kedian, a soldier of the 1st Battalion in Galway, was killed on 31 May 1999 while serving in the Lebanon. He is one of several members of the Defence Forces who have lost their lives and have never been recognised for it.”

After consideration by Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence the Committee agreed the following:

• Noting that the award and the criteria for the award of Military Medal of Gallantry (MMG) are provided for in Defence Force Regulation DFR A9 the Committee recommends for a change to the governing regulation by the removal of the timeline of 2 years for submission of such cases for review.

• Notwithstanding the Committee's request for a review of the 2-year rule, a simple granting of a derogation by the Minister to allow for the specific case of Pte Billy Kedian RIP to be examined, due to the time-sensitive nature of this case, is strongly recommended.

• The Committee calls for the early completion of the review of Pte Billy Kedian’s Case.