Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the establishment of the Garda Síochána reward fund; the way in which it is administered; the way in which it is maintained; and why it is to be retained. [4995/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda reward fund was set up by the Garda Reward Fund Regulations 1925 in accordance with the provisions of section 18 of the Garda Síochána Act 1925. The fund's sources of income are: fines imposed for disciplinary reasons on any member of the Garda Síochána; fines, penalties or damages granted on foot of summary conviction by the courts to members of the Garda Síochána; fines directed under any Act, including the Garda Síochána Act 1925, to be paid to the Garda reward fund.

Payments from the fund are made by way of awards approved by the Garda Commissioner on foot of recommendations by a Garda reward board. These awards — Scott Medals — are made to those gardaí who have shown exceptional zeal, intelligence or ability in the discharge of police duty, or who have performed acts of exceptional bravery. Moneys lodged by the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources are also paid to the gardaí involved in the detection of the cases generating the fines.

The accounts of the Garda Síochána reward fund are published annually in the appropriations accounts and are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. I have no plans at present to amend or discontinue this scheme.