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The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Affairs, Mr. Ciarán Cannon, today announced the opening of the nominations process for the 2018 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. The contribution of the Irish around the world, in so many countries and in so many ways, has been immense, and is of great credit to Ireland.

Over the last 6 years, 61 remarkable recipients have received the Award, chosen from pools of high quality nominees. We want to ensure that the Award continues to attract worthy nominees and I would therefore 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:

• i. have rendered distinguished service to the nation and/or its reputation abroad;
• ii. have actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland and/or its international; reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the categories listed above 
• iii. 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
• iv. 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 nomine before Monday, 7th May 2018.