Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
538. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice to list any awards issued to prison staff involved in apprehending prisoners attempting to escape from Portlaoise prison in the years 1983 to 1989. [36041/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service Staff Recognition Policy was introduced on 1 June 2013. This policy provides for the presentation of Merit Awards to staff in recognition of their actions.
The Brian Stack Medal, which is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a staff member, is presented by the Minister for Justice in recognition of acts of exceptional personal bravery. Nominations for the award of the Distinguished Services Medal are considered in the event of a prevention of an attempted escape and for an action that preserved life or preventing serious harm to others. The Distinguished Services Medal is awarded by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service.
Following the introduction of the policy in June 2013, nominations were accepted and considered for historical cases. Among those considered were nominations for officers who distinguished themselves through their actions in relation to two incidents in the time period 1983-1989, concerning prisoners attempting to escape from Portlaoise Prison.
One received a Brian Stack Medal for an incident which occurred in 1985 and three officers received a Distinguished Service Medal for an incident which occurred in 1988.
