Mary Harney
Question:4 Miss Harney asked the Taoiseach his views on whether the Government should mark the bi-centenary of the founding of the Orange Order. [5456/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Orange Order Bi-Centenary.
I have, on a number of occasions, since my appointment as Taoiseach, stated my views on the equal rights and legitimacy of the two main traditions on this island and the need to achieve agreement and reconciliation between them.
While the Government has no plans to mark the bi-centenary of the founding of the Orange Order, we would, of course, give very careful consideration to any proposals the Orange Order might wish to make.
I am not aware that any official commemoration of the anniversaries of the Ancient Order of Hibernians has taken place.
Given the significance of the Orange Order to the Unionist community and that it has branches in Donegal and Monaghan, will the Taoiseach consider meeting representatives of the Orange Order to explore what the Government might do to commemorate the bi-centenary? I accept what he said about the Ancient Order of Hibernians. We are trying to achieve parity of esteem and peace and reconciliation on this island. It may be an opportunity, even though a postage stamp one, to commemorate the Orange Order in that way and show respect for the other tradition on this island.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, Young Fine Gael has made suggestions in this regard. I am aware of the views which have been expressed that this should be done. It is important to maintain parity of esteem. The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Orange Order are more or less equivalent. Both have a significant religious content to their work and arose in particular historical circumstances. I am willing to look in a reasonably open-minded way at any suggestions made. It is important that the suggestions should come from the Orange Order concerned rather than from others who are seeking to make a point by referring to them. The Orange Orders are the ones who might appropriately say what they would like and it would be for the Government to consider what it could do, if anything, in response. I would prefer to pass the question back to the Orange Order and ask it to say what it is interested in doing.