Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:225 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the European flag; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 10 May 2005
Ceisteanna (174)
Freagraí scríofa
The Genealogical Office of Ireland is an integral part of the National Library of Ireland. The Deputy will be aware that the library was incorporated as a statutory body on 3 May 2005 and that I appointed a statutory board to administer the library's own affairs. I will invite the new board to consider how the anniversary of the adoption of this flag by the Council of Europe could be appropriately acknowledged.
In this connection, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the achievement of the then Chief Herald of Ireland, the late Mr. Gerard Slevin, in having his design concept for a European flag adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in December 1955. This flag, comprising twelve golden stars on a blue background, was subsequently adopted by the European Community in the 1980s and is the emblem of the European Union.