asked the Taoiseach if he has given any further consideration to the possibility of introducing an honours list or order of merit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Honours List/Order of Merit.
7.
There have been no further developments since the Deputy last raised this matter on 25 October 1988.
In view of the fact that the Taoiseach has said in the past that it would be a good idea to have this situation examined, can he now confirm to the House whether he intends in the near future to try to have something positive done about this either by setting up an all-party committee or requesting civil servants in various Government Departments to advise on the situation?
The Deputy is quite right when he says I am in favour of some such proposal and, like many other Members of the House, I would dearly like to see it brought to fruition. Unfortunately getting it off the ground might involve some political difficulties and we had better not make any false starts until we get the mood right and a fair amount of consensus.
Question No. 8.
May I ask——
Deputy Durkan, a final question perhaps.
Notwithstanding the need to proceed with caution, may I put it to the Taoiseach that it might be a good idea to put some framework in place which would appear to be examining the situation and taking the first tentative steps towards doing something about it? As time passes more people are asking why such a scheme has not been introduced in this country.
I will think some more about it.
Apart from the thinking——
Ceist a 8.
I am sorry to have to say to the Deputy that the last time we had an exchange about this matter in this House a very prominent member of the Fine Gael Party made quite a sarcastic, demeaning and obstructive remark about the whole idea.
Was the Taoiseach hurt by it?
Yes, I was.
I would be very surprised if the Taoiseach allowed one obstructive remark——
I am very sensitive about these matters because I will probably be the first person honoured under the scheme.
Notwithstanding that, I would ask the Taoiseach to try to make progress in the matter——
The Taoiseach knows what they say about self praise.
The Deputy should know.
(Interruptions.)
Let us get back to the serious business of questions.
May I ask the Taoiseach in all seriousness——
I think I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude.
Perhaps the two of us might have a cup of tea.
Question No. 8.