Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an honour or award system similar to the Scott Medal for Bravery is in place for members of the Fire Service; if he has plans to introduce such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22153/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Department operates a scheme of long service awards for members of the fire service, one for twenty years service and the other for thirty years service. The scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the Fire Services Council. Local authorities also operate a Certificate Scheme in recognition of ten years' service. There is no scheme within the Department's remit for honouring specific acts of bravery by members of the fire service.

However, Comhairle na Mire Gaile, (The Deeds of Bravery Council), which was established in 1947 to provide for suitable recognition by the State of deeds of bravery, is administered by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Comhairle can make awards of medals and certificates for deeds of bravery. Any person or agency including local authorities can make nominations for this award.