John Bruton
Question:16 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the timescale for the consultation process he has initiated on a national honours system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19705/99]
Ceisteanna – Questions. - Honours System.
As the Deputy will be aware, I wrote to the main Opposition party leaders on 27 September. I sent them a discussion paper on this topic and asked them to nominate a person to take part in discussions. Since then, the Fine Gael Party has nominated Senator Maurice Manning as its representative at the discussions and the Labour Party has nominated Deputy Ferris, the assistant Labour Whip.
The Minister of State and Government Chief Whip, Deputy Séamus Brennan, has been nominated as the Government's representative and I have asked him to contact the other representatives with a view to commencing the discussions, which he will chair, at an early date.
What type of work programme does the Taoiseach envisage for this group?
In the document, which I asked officials to draw up over the last year, there is an examination of the options which may be followed. The first issue which must be addressed is whether an honours system should be established at all. If so, there are models which can be followed. I do not wish to lay down any parameters but the matter should be addressed quickly, which is possible.
Even the Légion d'honneur has been withdrawn from Mr. Papon.