Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad
News
20 July 2021
The Award itself is designed based on the concept of an open door that leads to the landscape of Ireland. This captures the welcoming nature of both the Irish people and Ireland as a nation.
The 'Presidential Distinguished Service Award' for the Irish Abroad is presented by the President every year. It recognises the service given to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.
If you know a good candidate for this award submit a nomination today, or share our social media post so other community members can submit nominations! Nominations are due by Friday, 6 August 2021, and sucessful nominations will be announced in October 2021.
Only people who live outside the island of Ireland can be nominated for the Award. They must have:
- Given distinguished service to Ireland and/or its reputation abroad
- Contributed to Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the categories listed below.
- Supported and engaged with Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad for at least five years, or have made a sustained and distinguished service on a global or international issue of importance.
Who decides on the Nominations?
Nominations for the Award are made through our Embassy network, and are considered by a High Level Panel. The Panel recommends up to a total of 10 people every year from these nominations. The categories under which individuals can be nominated are:
- Arts, Culture and Sport;
- Business and Education;
- Charitable Works;
- Irish Community Support;
- Peace, Reconciliation and Development;
- Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Panel then submits its recommendations to the Government for approval.
While the scheme is open to all people living abroad, it is primarily aimed at Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and persons of Irish descent, who have made a sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or Irish communities abroad, or on a global or international issue of importance.
Read more about the award here.
