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About the Award
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is presented by the President of Ireland every year. It recognises the service given to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.
The Award is not an honours system. It doesn't give the recipients any legal entitlements or benefits, including Irish citizenship.
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Who Can Be Nominated?
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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
While the scheme was 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.
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Who Decides on the Awards?
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Nominations for the Award are made through Ireland's network of diplomatic missions abroad and are considered by a High Level Panel in Dublin.
The Panel recommends up to a total of 10 people every year from these nominations, with at least one from each of these areas:
Irish Community Support
Arts, Culture and Sport
Charitable Works
Business and Education
Peace, Reconciliation and Development
The Panel then submits its recommendations to the Government for approval.
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