Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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191. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Scott service medals awarded to members of An Garda Síochána in County Tipperary in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36547/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Scott Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and is awarded for ‘most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty’.

Scott Medal nominees are selected from recommendations that are provided by the Garda Divisions on an annual basis to the adjudication board, which is comprised of two Deputy Commissioners and an Assistant Commissioner. The Board decides on the class of Medal (Gold, Silver or Bronze) to be awarded due to the level of 'bravery and valour' exhibited by the member.

Nominations in respect of serving Garda members are submitted to the adjudication board by the relevant Divisional Officer (Chief Superintendent). In the cases of posthumous awards or awards to retired members, family members or colleagues may put forward a request for nomination. The nomination then goes to the Divisional Officer for their consideration.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that Scott Medal award ceremonies were held in 2016, 2017 and 2021. No ceremonies were held in the years 2018-2020, or to date in 2022.

I am further advised that 1 Silver Scott Medal was awarded to a member in Tipperary in 2017.

For the Deputy's information, the list of all Scott Medal recipients is publicly available on the Garda website.

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-history/the-scott-medal/scott-medal-awards-25-may-2022.pdf