Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will look back to 2016 and the commemorative events throughout that year. This might appear to be trivial but it is something that was done particularly well, that is, the retrieval of the national flag from the ultra-nationalists. There were a number of flag raising ceremonies and there was the construction of flag poles. A little booklet was issued from the Taoiseach's office outlining how the flag should be treated. It is now almost 12 months later. The Department should not just finish its job in terms of how the flag should be treated.

I see a huge number of flags around the country that are becoming worn, torn and tattered; these should be replaced. With regard to the respect and the re-establishment of the national emblem, I appeal to the Office of the Taoiseach to continue that correspondence and education programme and that the flags be replaced. It does not take an awful lot to purchase a flag. The worn flags should be replaced.