Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thank my colleagues for attending and raising their issues. I thank Mr. Raymond for his valuable contribution. He might share with us information on the national anthem project that was done in the US. It would tie in well with what the lord mayor of Cork, Mr. Tony Fitzgerald, has done.

Opportunities to sing the national anthem pose the main issue. If one is in Croke Park, at a GAA match or at an international match, that is the opportunity. If one does not attend such occasions, where would the opportunity arise? Perhaps the lord mayor will answer my next question. Should we be considering a day like the eve of St. Patrick's Day on which schools would be asked to arrange ceremonies around our national anthem while also including students of other nationalities and discussing the origins of their countries' anthems?

The presidential salute is not within our remit, but perhaps Lt. Col. Armstrong might consider this matter. We would ask him which version to include in our report. Given that we are lay people and not well versed in musical arrangements, it is probably news to many that there is an outdoor version as well as an indoor one. Should we incorporate more than one version into any legislation or protocol?

Regarding Mr. Nugent's contribution, was there any resistance to including the national anthem in the passport? I am sure that it was a collaborative effort and many meetings were held. I congratulate him on that initiative and having it included. This may be unique of any passport in the world.

Given what we have heard from Councillor Ring about the Department of the Taoiseach, it is probably the only formal recognition by the State of the national anthem. I thank Mr. Conal Kearney. Would he be able to share with us the original documents so that we could include them in the report and share them with the Department of the Taoiseach in order for the website to be updated this evening?

Regarding the contentious opening line of the national anthem and its translation, this issue will be debated for some time. I am sorry for intervening out of turn, which is unlike me, but this relates to the question-----