The awards are presented at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtarán, the Irish president’s official residence. Who the incumbent will be this year remains to be seen though, if he does run, President Michael D. Higgins is heavily favored to win a second term. The president’s latest position on a run for a second term will be outlined in a report in this week’s Irish Echo.
By Irish Echo Staff
The nominations process for the 2018 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is now underway.
Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Affairs, Ciarán Cannon, initiated the process while stating: "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 six 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, said a release, was established as a means to recognize 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 categories listed above.
- 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 five 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 nomine before Monday, May 7, 2018.
