Vol. 398 No. 1
2 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce a national honours system whereby persons who bring honour to Ireland, such as those involved in the film My Left Foot, can be given special national recognition for their achievements.
3 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach if he has yet decided to introduce an order of merit or honours list; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I would favour the introduction of such a system and, as I have stated previously would be prepared to talk to the parties in the House about the idea if there was a possibility that we could make some progress.
In relation to Question No. 3, does the Taoiseach intend to initiate these discussions in the near future having regard to previous representations and questions which were raised in the House on the matter?
If I were made aware that there was a general wish among the party leaders for such discussion I would certainly be very glad to initiate them because, like the Deputy, I am becoming increasingly convinced of the need for some such system.
Is it intended to initiate these discussions before the summer recess? Could the Taoiseach foresee a situation where, before or after the summer recess, he would be in a position to bring some suggestions before the House?
The best time might be during the summer recess, when we are all a little less tense.
