“Call for nominations” announced by Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Affairs, Mr. Ciarán Cannon, T.D
The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Affairs, Mr. Ciarán Cannon, T.D., today announced the opening of the nominations process for the 2019 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad.
Speaking today, Minister Cannon said:
“I am delighted to announce the call for nominations for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, which acknowledges the many ways in which our Diaspora make contributions to Ireland. As Minister of State for the Diaspora, I am aware of the profound impact our global family has had around the world, in so many countries and in a variety of fields. This impact has been immense and is of great credit to Ireland.
Over the last 7 years, 71 remarkable recipients have received the Award. We want to ensure that the Award continues to attract outstanding nominees and I encourage you to consider nominating eligible candidates.”
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award was established as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora and the first awards were made in 2012. Nominations are made by Irish communities abroad through Ireland’s network of Diplomatic Missions.
In order to be eligible for consideration, nominees must be habitually resident outside the island of Ireland and are required to satisfy one of the following additional requirements:
- have rendered distinguished service to the nation and/or its reputation abroad;
- have actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the listed categories;
- have a track record of sustained support and engagement with Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad over a period of not less than 5 years; or
- have made a sustained and distinguished service to Ireland on a global or international issue of importance.
Nominations should be submitted through the Embassy of Ireland in the country of residence of the nominee before Wednesday, 3rd April 2019.
Note for Editors
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is neither an honours system nor does it confer any legal entitlements upon the recipients.
The scheme is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and a High Level Panel is established to make recommendations to Government. This Panel includes: Mr Niall Burgess, Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Chair), Mr Martin Fraser, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach; Mr Art O’Leary, Secretary General to the President; and four representatives from the non-Government sector.
Nominations are made by Irish communities abroad through Ireland’s network of Diplomatic Missions. Due to the high calibre of nominations received, 2018 nominees will be automatically re-nominated for 2019.