asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the present position regarding the proposals for the setting up of an organisation in this country for the recognition of acts of valour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recognition of Acts of Valour.
Mr. Boland
Following on the passing by the Dáil last year of a Supplementary Estimate to provide for the expenses incurred in connection with a scheme for the recognition by the State of acts of bravery a committee was set up to consider such cases as might arise and to advise as to the cases in which awards should be made. At the first formal meeting of the committee held on 15th January, 1946, it was recommended that legislation should be introduced to make the committee a statutory one and to authorise it to make awards. It was pointed out that, in the absence of legislation, the awards would have no particular standing and that there would be no definite guarantee that the whole scheme might not be altered from time to time or even dropped altogether.
The committee's recommendation is at present being considered by my Department and the other Departments concerned.