Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, we woke to hear about another shooting of a member of An Garda Síochána as they went about their duty. I suppose it highlights once again the dangers the men and women of An Garda Síochána face so that the rest of us can go about our daily lives in a safe fashion. Today, I acknowledge the honour and bravery of our gardaí as the Scott Medal ceremony is due to take place in Templemore tomorrow. The Scott Medal is the highest award An Garda Síochána can bestow on a member of the force.It is awarded where a member has risked his or her life in the execution of his or her duty. Seven of our bravest and most honourable gardaí will be recognised for their courage and bravery in performing their duties. Sadly, two of these gardaí gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and the lives of the five others were changed forever. It is 41 years since the Garryhinch ambush incident in County Laois. I am sure it will be a very emotional day for the Peters family, the Cannon family, the Thornton family and the Bohan family as they receive the Scott medal. It will be an especially poignant and sad occasion for the Clerkin family from Monaghan town, who will received the posthumous award on behalf of Michael Clerkin, who tragically died on that horrific day aged just 24 years. I also acknowledge the family of Garda Tony Golden, who will also receive the Scott medal. Garda Golden, as members recall, was shot dead two years ago as he defended a young woman after she had been attacked by her partner. The seventh recipient of the Scott medal is Detective Garda Dominick Hutchin, who confronted two armed raiders in Dublin in 1987 and suffered severe injuries in that act. In acknowledging the bravery and courageous actions of these gardaí to protect our country and our way of life, the words of Elmer Davis, an American journalist during the Second World War, hold true. He said a "nation will remain the home of the free only so long as it is a home of the brave".