Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Flag Regulations.

David Stanton

Question:

113 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the guidelines, if any, his Department has issued internally or to any agency or body in relation to the use of the national flag and the European flag. [6595/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Arrangements are made annually for the flying of the national flag on particular days throughout the year and these are communicated to my Department by the Department of the Taoiseach. Advice is also received by my Department on the flying of the national flag in accordance with the booklet, An Bhratach Náisiúnta, published by the Government Publications Sales Office.

In accordance with this annual practice, my Department, on 13 February 1998 received a request from the Department of the Taoiseach to arrange for the flying of the national flag on the following specific occasions during 1998 from buildings under my Department's control, equipped with a permanent flagpole.

In Dublin

1. St. Patrick's Day (17 March).

2. Easter Sunday (12 April) and Easter Monday (13 April).

3. The National Day of Commemoration (5 July)*.

4. The Kerrygold Dublin Horse Show (5-9 August).

5. Dublin Theatre Festival (15-17 October).

Outside Dublin

1. St. Patrick's Day (17 March).

2. Easter Sunday (12 April) and Easter Monday (13 April).

3. The National Day of Commemoration (5 July)*.

4. On the occasion of any significant local festivals and events which may be brought to attention by the interests concerned.

* This ceremony would normally be held on Sunday 12 July but has been brought forward this year because of the Opening Stage of the 1998 Tour de France in Dublin on that date.

My Department is also informed by the Department of the Taoiseach on occasions when it is considered appropriate to fly the National Flag at half mast. My Department was requested by the European Commission to fly the European flag on Europe Day — 9 May — and I am making arrangements to have this complied with.