Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The original idea was to give an understanding of where the flag came from, what it stands for, the difference between the orange and the green and what the colours symbolise. Defence Forces personnel presented a proper flag to every school, all 3,500 of them. Many of the flags the Deputy mentioned are outside commercial premises and are left up day and night. There is obviously a protocol attached to the national flag, as the Deputy knows. If it is flown overnight, it has to be lit or be in a lighted position. I suppose that we can have that looked at.

This was a particular programme that was really effective in the sense that two Defence Forces personnel visited every school and explained the background of the flag, the understanding of it and the respect for it. I think that brought about an awareness for more adult people as well of what our national flag stands for. I see the same kind of flag the Deputy sees. Many of them have become worn and tattered like the poem "Barbara Frietchie" about the stars and stripes. That respect for the flag will continue to be referred to in schools as part of the ongoing civic programme. Those who put flags up outside premises should see that they are at least fit for purpose.