Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome the Farmer’s Haggart group. They are guests of the Ceann Comhairle. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today. I call Senator Craughwell.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Leader and all colleagues will know that every day of the week, members of our Defence Forces undertake duties on behalf of the State. Their job, of course, is to protect property and human life. I know that the Leader, in particular, will have an interest.

On 15 August 2024, while driving into Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Renmore, County Galway, Fr. Paul Murphy was viciously attacked by an assailant. That attack demonstrated two things. First and foremost, it demonstrated that Fr. Murphy is an extremely resilient man who dealt with his injuries with great honour. More importantly, our Defence Forces have now recognised four of their members who are to be awarded with the Distinguished Service Medal, DSM. I am delighted to say that the first female in the history of the Defence Forces to be awarded a DSM for action while on duty is Private Ciara Shanahan, who was the first person on the scene following Fr. Murphy's attack. Ciara was on duty at the gate of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa when the priest was attacked. Unarmed, she approached the assailant and saved Fr. Murphy's life. That was followed by the swift action of Corporal Daniel Padden, guard commander at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, and Private Dylan Geraghty. Much must be appreciated about the work of these people that night. Three people could be dead, particularly as the soldiers on duty were entitled to use lethal force. They did not do so. They used their discretion and saved the priest's life. They are now being properly rewarded.

I also recognise the Chief of Staff and his senior generals. This is probably one of the quickest reviews of a situation of bravery and valour in the Defence Forces. Three members of my former battalion, an Chéad Chathlán Coisithe, will be awarded the DSM. The incident to which I refer happened on 15 August, and they will be awarded medals on 12 February. It took from 1999 to 2025 for Billy Kedian as an Chéad Chath to be awarded his DSM. Fair play to the Defence Forces. My compliments to the Chief of Staff and the general staff for getting this done so quickly.