McHugh calls for 1916 Commemoration Medals for all Fire Service personnel

DONEGAL TD and Minister Joe McHugh has called on the Government to recognise the role played in the 1916 year of Commemorations by the Fire Service.

Members of other services were given Commemoration Medals in various ceremonies last year.

However the women and men of the nation’s fire services were not recognised. Minister of State McHugh has written to Minister Simon Coveney on the matter.

“The fire services are unique in that they are run by the Local Authorities of the country and aren’t a national organisation in the same way as the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána,” said Minister McHugh.

“I think this has been an oversight and rather than relying on Local Authorities to recognise the role of the fire service during the 2016 commemorative year in their area, I believe there should also be a national award.

“This should also recognise the role of firefighters who saved so much of Dublin during the Easter Rising.

“I have spoken to many serving fire officers in my Donegal constituency and in other constituencies and there is a feeling of hurt. However I do not believe there was any intention to exclude them, more a reflection of the unique way fire departments in our country are organised across the regions.

“As a Government I believe we have a responsibility to organise a national recognition of the brave men and women of our fire crews across the country, to mark 1916 in an appropriate and fitting fashion.”

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