133 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the reasons service medals and bars are not available at unit level for serving members of the FCA; if this situation will be corrected in order that the service of members can be rewarded as per the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6722/02]

Units do not hold stocks of service medals and bars in stores. Service medals and bars are requisitioned retrospectively by 31 March each year, through brigade records and data management, for personnel entitled to these medals. When sanctioned, units then draw medals and bars from brigade clothing stores for issuing to personnel who have the required satisfactory service.