Vol. 439 No. 6
2 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach whether he has given any recent consideration to the possibility of introducing an order of merit or similar method of honouring men and women who by their endeavours have brought distinction and international recognition to this country and its people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated to the Deputy in response to a previous question, I am favourably disposed, provided all party agreement can be reached, towards the establishment of an honours system as a means of honouring persons who have achieved national or international distinction with consequent benefit to the country. However, the matter is not a priority for the Government at present.
Has the Taoiseach taken any initiative to discover whether there would be all party agreement to the establishment of an honours system?
I read the files and saw where my predecessor wrote to Opposition leaders and leaders of political parties in this regard. However, there did not seem to be a great appetite for the establishment of an honours system at that time. I am happy to repeat my invitation to the leaders of all the political parties with a view to finding out whether there is support for the establishment of such an honours list.
Perhaps the response of the Taoiseach will depend on who will get the honours. Who does he envisage would make the selection if such a system was to be established here? Would it be a role for the President, the Government, or some independent person?
It would be sensible to find out what support is there for it and then we will proceed in consultation with all the political leaders.
That is not a bad idea.
Bearing in mind that Ireland has one honorary consul in the US and that it is possible to appoint more than one honorary consul to the US, will the Taoiseach and the Government give careful consideration to increasing that number and recognising Irish Americans for the great work they are doing for Ireland in the US?
That is a separate question.
It is about honours.
The Deputy should put down a separate question on that subject.
I beg to differ with you——
You may differ with me as much as you like, but I rule here.
It would be unfair of you to rule me out. Could the Taoiseach give an indication of the Government's attitude to doing this, because there are many people in the US——
Surely consulate appointments are a separate matter.
It is an honorary title and that is what the question relates to. There is no reason why the Government should not invite Irish Americans——
The Deputy is drifting into the diplomatic area.
Would the Government consider appointing an honorary consul in Dublin South Central pending the appointment of——
This is becoming a joke. We will now move on to questions nominated for priority. A time limit of 20 minutes applies to these questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
