Pádraic McCormack
Question:145 Mr. McCormack asked the Taoiseach the reason millennium candles were not distributed to flat complexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/00]
Written Answers. - Millennium Celebrations.
Seán Haughey
Question:146 Mr. Haughey asked the Taoiseach the way in which the millennium candle was distributed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some households received more than one candle while others received none; the action, if any, he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1546/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
The national millennium committee commissioned the design and production of 1.3 million candles as part of its role in selecting appropriate ways of marking the millennium in Ireland in an inclusive manner. The candle, accompanied by a scroll, was the central focus of a national event, the last light ceremony, on the afternoon of New Year's Eve to coincide with the final sunset of this millennium.
It was the intention of the millennium committee that every household in the country would receive a candle and scroll in a presentation box. An Post was selected as the delivery agent for the candles. It took its address data from the 1999 electoral register. The number of households on this register is approximately 1.28 million. The stipulation was that each household would receive through the An Post delivery service one candle.
The national millennium committee became aware before Christmas that some households had not received delivery of a candle. The national millennium office has regularly updated An Post as regards complaints about non-delivery of candles. Every effort is now being made to establish the exact position in relation to the matter. Representatives of the national millennium office will meet with An Post in the near future to discuss the entire delivery question.
John McGuinness
Question:147 Mr. McGuinness asked the Taoiseach if the Government will consider a recognition award for each baby born on 1 January 2000 either by way of financial grant to each child or the parents, some form of scholarship for each child or some other suitable means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1549/00]
The national millennium committee has recommended, in principle that all babies born in Ireland on 1 January, 2000 should be honoured with special presentations. Accordingly the committee proposes that each baby will be presented with a commemorative piece of silver and a presentation version of the new £1 millennium coin.
The presentations will be made through the 34 local authority millennium officers appointed around the country who have been involved in establishing the number of babies born in their respective areas. The presentations will take place following consultation with the millennium officers and the hospitals concerned.