President Michael D Higgins is to present up to 10 awards each year to people living abroad who continue to make contributions to Ireland.
Eamon Gilmore, the tanaiste and minister for foreign affairs, announced the establishment of an annual Presidential Service Awards for the Irish Abroad at the opening of an immigration centre in Toronto yesterday. The awards “will acknowledge the many ways in which our diaspora make contributions to Ireland”.
“Some engage with Ireland and our overseas communities to stay connected with their roots, others to be part of our heritage and culture, but regardless of the reason their contribution is deeply appreciated,” Gilmore said.
Unlike France and the UK, Ireland does not have an honours system. The Irish constitution states that titles of nobility should not be conferred by the state, and any such title bestowed on a citizen must be approved by the government.
The new presidential award will not be an honours system, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs as it would not confer any legal entitlement on the recipient. While most of the recipients are expected to be Irish, the honour will be open to non-Irish also.
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The annual awards will go to at least one person from community support; the arts; culture and sport; charitable works; business and education; and peace, reconciliation and development. The government is considering creating a similar award for Irish residents.