Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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549. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if special consideration can be given to awarding a person (details supplied) with a national bravery award for their swift actions on 17 December 2017 at the Moy river in Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15822/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deeds of Bravery Council (Comhairle na Míre Gaile) was convened under the Deeds of Bravery Act 1947 and makes awards to members of the public who have performed Acts of Bravery. To merit consideration by the Comhairle, a deed of bravery is deemed as ‘an effort to save human life involving personal risk’.

The Comhairle, comprising of the Ceann Comhairle, (Chairperson), Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Chairman of the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Lord Mayor of Cork, Chairman of the General Council of County Councils and the Commissioner of an Garda Síochána meet once a year, usually in July to assess nominations.

Staff from my Department provide secretariat support to the Comhairle, which is entirely independent in the consideration of nominations under the awards scheme. As Minister, I have no role in the process.

To be of assistance, I can confirm that a nomination for a Deed of Bravery was received in this case on 14 February 2018. The secretariat has sought relevant supporting documentation from the nominator, to assist the Comhairle in reaching a decision on the application.