Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposed law would reserve the names “Óglaigh na hÉireann” and “Defence Forces” for Ireland’s official defence forces only. It would make it an offence for any other group to use those words, or close versions of them, in its name or description, and also cover people who join or run such a group. Some bodies with a genuine support, representative, historical, or research purpose would be allowed to keep the wording if they meet strict conditions. It matters because it is meant to prevent confusion, protect the official name of the Defence Forces, and stop groups from presenting themselves as something they are not.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to restrict the use of the terms "Óglaigh na hÉireann" and "Defence Forces" to the defence forces raised and maintained under the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015, and for that purpose to restrict the inclusion of those words in the names of certain other bodies by amending the Defence Act 1954, and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 28 March 2025