A new law in the Republic is to prevent referring to members of the Provisional IRA using the phrase, Óglaigh na hÉireann.
The term translates roughly as volunteers or warriors of Ireland and is the official term for the Irish Defence Forces,
It was originally used by the Irish Volunteers of 1913 and later during the Irish War of Independence of 1919-22.
Various republican paramilitaries have since claimed the title – styling themselves as the legitimate successors, including the Provisional IRA, Continuity IRA and Real IRA.
Sinn Féin figures have also used the phrase over the years at commemorations and in referring to Provisional IRA members.
The party also sell items like an Óglaigh na hÉireann pin badge in their online shop.
Fine Gael has previously called Sinn Féin’s use of the term as “a disgrace and an affront” to men and women currently serving in Ireland and abroad.
After a law change was proposed by Fianna Fáil senator Malcolm Byrne, the Irish Independent report that fines of up to €1,000 will soon be imposed for any unauthorised use of the term that has not been approved by the Defence Minister.
Welcoming the decision, Mr Byrne said he expected the legislation to be passed by the summer.
“I think we should always be proud of the role of those who donned the uniform of the Irish State and their work should always be recognised,” he said.
“This legislation does not apply in a historical context, so for example those who were involved in the War of Independence, we will still have recognition of the title Óglaigh na hÉireann.
“It’s very much in a contemporary context, to recognise there is only one Óglaigh na hÉireann and that is the Defence Forces of the Irish State.”
He said he expected the new laws to be passed in the first half of this year.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Sinn Féin accept the term Óglaigh na hÉireann applies to the Defence Forces. The term Óglaigh na hÉireann is spelt out as the name of the Defence Forces in the Constitution and it would seem that that affords legal protection.”
They added that it wasn’t “the most pressing issue” for the Defence Forces, and would prefer to focus on “the failures of successive governments to deal with the real issues facing the Defence Forces around pay and conditions and the lack of supports for veterans and their families.”
