Vol. 414 No. 4
143 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Justice the reason the five Enniscorthy based gardaí who risked their lives in preventing an armed bank robbery in Enniscorthy town, County Wexford in May 1990 were not honoured for their bravery and were omitted from the honours list for 1991.
147 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice if he has had any discussions with the Garda Commissioner as to the reason five Enniscorthy gardaí were not awarded the Scott Medal in relation to their heroic and successful work in foiling an armed bank robbery in Enniscorthy, County Wexford last year; if he has satisfied himself that this was a just decision; if he will discuss the matter with the Garda Commissioner and other officials involved in making such awards so that this matter might be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 147 together.
Scott medals are awarded by the Garda Commissioner to members of the force who, in his opinion, have shown exceptional courage and heroism involving risk to life in the execution of their duty. Nominations for the award of Scott medals are made by Garda divisional officers to a reward board, established by the Commissioner, normally consisting of the two deputy commissioners and one assistant commissioner. The board examines each case on its merits and makes recommendations to the Commissioner. The final decision in each case is a matter for the Commissioner and it would not be appropriate to me to intervene in any way.
