Speech by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee at Scott Medal Ceremony

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Commissioner, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Minister for Justice, it is one of my greatest privileges to preside over these ceremonies which, for a century now, have recorded the pride and gratitude of the nation for the acts of bravery and selflessness by individual Gardaí.

As we have heard, the first Scott medal was awarded just over one hundred years ago in August 1924 to Garda James Mulroy.

On that occasion, my illustrious predecessor, Kevin O’Higgins, a man who later tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice himself, was present on behalf of the government and the people of Ireland.

It is an honour to be here in his footsteps, in this fantastic building that commemorates the legacy of Walter Scott, to bear witness to these acts of courage that represent the very best of An Garda Síochána.

In the century that has passed since 1924, the award has changed with the introduction of commendations and the full range of gold, silver, and bronze medals.

However, this prestigious award, and what it represents has not changed.

We gather to honour exemplary acts of service; to the State, the public we all serve, your loyalty to your colleagues, and to An Garda Síochána with the award of eight medals, including three posthumous awards.

I want to pay particular tribute to the Gardaí recognised posthumously - Superintendent John Curtin and Detective Sergeant Denis O’Brien, may they rest in peace. Although many decades have passed since they lost their lives in the course of their duty, this honour is a stark reminder of the dangers still faced by Gardaí serving today.

These accounts also remind us of one of the darkest chapters of our nation’s history when, in the aftermath of independence and a bitter civil war, there were those who attacked the guardians of the peace in an attempt to undermine law and order and to subvert the newly established State.

We are reminded that the men and women of An Garda Síochána have always stood in the gap, successfully safeguarding the public and the State itself.

We remember them today, and all those members who have lost their lives in service.

The other medals awarded today are no less moving. We heard of the courage of the late Garda Morgan Lahiffe, also awarded a medal posthumously today.

All the citations illustrate the different opportunities, challenges and dangers experienced daily by our brave Gardaí. It brings home to all of us the stark risks of a career as a Garda. It reminds us that those who choose to wear the uniform cannot choose what every day brings.

From rescue and recovery at sea, to responding to the increasing incidences of the crime of violence in the home, we see the evolving, unpredictable but hugely fulfilling and important nature of your roles. It is a testimony to the dedication and bravery of our Gardaí.

There is an inherent danger in your chosen profession. To protect others means that, sometimes, you must put yourself in harm’s way.

You must run towards danger, as others run from it.

And you do so without any expectation of recognition.

But that doesn’t mean that bravery and selflessness should go unrecognised.

The Scott Medal has been awarded to a small group of Gardaí over the past hundred years as a way of recognising that spirit of dedication, service and, regrettably on occasion as we have heard today, the ultimate sacrifice.

It is always wonderful to hear countless testimonies from victims who have spoken so highly of how they were supported by Gardaí in their hour of need.

I am proud to be here today to see you all receive this recognition and your awards.

I know your families are proud.

Just as I know that the family members who have accepted awards posthumously on behalf of John, and Denis and Morgan are rightly proud.

We can never truly know the dangers you face. We can never know if we would run towards danger or run from it. But you know.

You have made that choice, and continue to make it, to protect your communities, your colleagues, and the people of this country.

Everyone here is all too aware of that. And many of you understand very deeply the dangers and sacrifices, the pride and the passion, the judgement, and the selflessness, that must come with putting on the uniform.

For our part, our duty is to support the Gardaí to remember them, and to honour the actions and memories of all those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.

I thank you all on behalf of the State and the public we all serve.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.