Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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84. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a former prison officer (details supplied) has not been recognised for their bravery when they intervened in order to prevent the escape of a prisoner from Portlaoise Prison on 18 May 1988; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33961/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service operates a Merit Award Scheme, which recognises acts of bravery, outstanding heroism or merit which have been performed by staff of the Irish Prison Service. There are three levels of award, depending on the degree of bravery, heroism or merit, beyond the normal expectation of the member of staff and taking account their experience and training.

The current Merit Award Scheme has been in place since 2013. Following significant consultation with stakeholders and other agencies, the Irish Prison Service Staff Recognition Policy came into effect on 1 June 2013.

When the policy was introduced, nominations for historical cases were considered, but this window closed from 2017. The current policy accepts nominations for cases less than one year old.

The National Staff Recognition Committee, who reviews recommendations from the Local Staff Recognition Committee, did not receive a nomination for the officer referred to within the allocated timeframe for historical awards.