Defence Forces to review how it awards medals

The interim report recommends there could be 'improved guidelines on the differences between classes of medals' and also recommends a formal appeals process should be considered in historical cases. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

A review of how the Irish Defence Forces awards different medals for bravery is underway, which could see the establishment of a formal appeals process.

Earlier this year, the Tánaiste wrote to the Defence Forces chief of staff, noting a Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence report on medals, and also raising the cases of Private Billy Kedian, who died on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, and the soldiers involved with the UN mission in Jadotville. 

Pte William “Billy” Kedian was killed by Israeli-backed militia on May 31, 1999 while serving with the Unifil mission in Lebanon.

An interim report has now been submitted to the chief of staff by a Working Group set up to review the medal process. It will make recommendations around issues like the timelines for recommending and approving the award of a medal.

It is also examining how historical reviews of cases could be carried out, with international comparisons, and how different types and classes of medals should be awarded and recommended.

At present, there are two different types of medals awarded by the Defence Forces in Ireland. 

The first is the Military Medal For Gallantry or An Bonn Mileata Calmachta, which can be awarded with honour, distinction, or with merit.

They are awarded to officers, non commissioned officers, privates, army nurses, and chaplains for "exceptional bravery or gallantry" — other than during war service. It is for military service involving risk "to life or limb".

This medal is awarded by the Minister of Defence on the recommendation of a board appointed by the Chief of Staff and must be awarded within two years of the act of bravery and requires an eye-witness report.

There is also the Distinguished Service Medal, An Bonn Seirbhise Dearscna, which is for acts of ‘bravery’, ‘courage’, ‘leadership’, ‘devotion to duty’ — other than during war. It has a four-year time to be awarded.

The interim report recommends there could be "improved guidelines on the differences between classes of medals" and also recommends a formal appeals process should be considered in historical cases.