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

Canada is a fourth. It is probably best to try guidelines to start. That is just an opinion; it is up to the committee to go in whatever direction it chooses. Do we really want to start prosecuting people who use the flag in appropriate ways for commercial purposes? The number of occasions concerned is small. Another matter I want the committee to consider shows the maturity of a nation. If people wish to disrespect our national anthem, that is freedom of expression, which I support. I might not agree with them and I might dispute the way in which they act with them very strongly, but we must also respect the right of people to an alternative view. One thing I remember in the UK, going back to the 1970s - I was only a kid - is the Sex Pistols song "God Save the Queen". People are entitled to an alternative view. Those of us who do not agree with it will not agree with it. Something similar is going on in the United States with American footballers disrespecting the national anthem by taking a knee. I support people's right to have alternative views, as we all should. I ask the committee not to ignore this.