Call for nominations for 2026 Presidential Distinguished Service Award announced by Minister Richmond

The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has opened a call for nominations for the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad (PDSA). The award recognises contributions made by the diaspora to their communities, to Ireland or enhancing Ireland’s reputation on the world stage.

Speaking at the announcement of the opening of the nomination process, Minister Richmond said: “Over the last 14 years, 143 remarkable recipients have received this Award, which allows Ireland pay tribute to members of the Irish Diaspora who have made a real difference in their own communities or who have embodied the very best of Irish values across the world. We take immense pride in our diaspora and it is only right that that we celebrate their achievements.”

Nominees, who must be habitually resident outside the island of Ireland, can be nominated in the following categories: (i) Arts, Culture and Sport; (ii) Business and Economic Development; (iii) Charitable Works and Advocacy; (iv) Climate Action and Food Security; (v) Education, Science, and Innovation; (vi) Inclusion and Equality; (vii) Irish Community Support and (vii) Peace, Reconciliation and Development.

The closing date for nominations, which must be made through Ireland’s Embassy and Consulate network, is Friday 8 May 2026.

Further details on eligibility and the nomination process are available on Ireland.ie.

ENDS

Press Office

8 April 2026

Notes for Editors

The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad was established by the Government following the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora and was first awarded in 2012. The award is presented by the President of Ireland. The award is neither an honours system nor does it confer any legal entitlements upon the recipients.

It recognises the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.

In order to be eligible for consideration and are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

(i) Have rendered distinguished service to the nation and/or its reputation abroad;

(ii) 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;

(iii) 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 5 years;

(iv) or have given sustained and distinguished service on a global or international issue of importance.

The scheme is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and a High Level Panel will be established to make recommendations to Government for the recipients of the 2026 awards.

Nominations are made through Ireland’s network of Diplomatic Missions.