One of the recommendations of the task force on policy towards emigrants was that an awards scheme be established to recognise the service of Irish persons abroad. I am aware of the invaluable contribution which Irish people who have emigrated have made and continue to make to developments in their adopted countries. On every appropriate occasion, I express appreciation and pay a warm tribute to their work. However, the matter of an awards scheme to recognise the services of Irish persons abroad would arise in the context of wider discussions on a national honours system, which is the responsibility of the Department of the Taoiseach.