When a former member of the Defence Forces dies, the family should be presented with the Tricolour at their funeral, the same as at funerals of Irish soldiers killed on duty.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil senator Ollie Crowe, who is calling for a change in how the Tricolour is presented to military families.
Currently, if a member of the Defence Forces dies while still in service, the flag is presented to the next of kin as a formality. For those members who pass away after their services in the Defence Forces, the family must request a flag and have that approved by the General Officer commanding the brigade the deceased belonged to.
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Sen Crowe raised the issue in Seanad Éireann this week, saying there was “no need for the distinction” currently existing between active service members and former members when it comes to the protocols and procedures of military funerals.
“Families who have been in this situation have told me they would have appreciated being presented with the flag,” said Sen Crowe, “as it would have been due recognition for the service their family member gave and would be passed down through the family for generations.”
