asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to arrange any function for the purpose of honouring and congratulating those members of the Defence Forces who have contributed to United Nations peacekeeping, and who have brought great honour to this country through the granting of the Nobel Peace Prize for those efforts.

31.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he proposes to recognise and mark in a special way the international distinction achieved for Ireland through the service of our soldiers with the United Nations and, in particular, the award of the Nobel Peace Prize.

(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 31 together.

The Government have decided to award a special service medal for peacekeeping with the United Nations to members of the Permanent Defence Force who have served with United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, and to the next of kin of deceased members. The question of a suitable design for the medal is at present being considered.

I understand that the prize-giving ceremony in connection with the Nobel Peace Prize will take place in Oslo on 10 December 1988. The prize will be accepted on behalf of the peacekeeping forces by the UN Secretary General. The programme for the ceremony has not yet been finalised by the Nobel Peace Committee but it is anticipated that a representative group from the UN peacekeeping forces will be invited.

I express my appreciation at the efforts of the Department to respond to the great award being bestowed on the United Nations peacekeeping forces and our members contributing. Has the Minister considered the position of those who died serving in the forces in different countries and in different exercises and have, over the years contributed, although not perhaps directly?

(Limerick West): It is for those who served with the UN.

Does it include those of our forces who previously served on behalf of the country in the UN?

(Limerick West): Yes. It is available to everybody.

I am calling Deputy Desmond. I would have called the Deputy earlier, had I observed him.

I commend the Minister for the Government's decision in this regard.