Nominations open for Presidential Distinguished Service Awards – Ireland

Nominations open for Presidential Distinguished Service Awards – Ireland

Deadline: 17-Aug-23

Nominations are now open for the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards to recognize the service given to the country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.

The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is presented by the President every year.

The scheme is primarily aimed at Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship, and persons of Irish descent, but is open to all people living abroad.

The hard work, energy and dedication of nominees makes a valuable contribution to people’s lives and is deserving of the gratitude, recognition and respect.

Categories

• The categories under which individuals can be nominated are:
  • Arts, Culture, and Sport;
  • Business and Economic Development;
  • Charitable Works and Advocacy;
  • Climate Action and Food Security;
  • Education, Science, and Innovation;
  • Inclusion and Equality;
  • Irish Community Support;
  • Peace, Reconciliation, and Development.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.
  • 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.
• 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.
• The award is not an honours system. It doesn’t give the recipients any legal entitlements or benefits, including Irish citizenship.

For more information, visit Department of Foreign Affairs.