Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I did not put forward a draft scheme for consideration in my letter to the leaders of the Opposition, because I understand it might be more helpful to let the outlines of a scheme emerge from discussions at all-party level, if there is agreement to hold such discussions. I did, however, offer a number of views, which may be useful to any further discussions. In 1998 or 1999, I set out a fairly detailed scheme. It was not the details, but the concept that stopped that scheme going forward at the time.

In response to Deputy Gilmore, I would like to make a few points. I am on record for ten or 15 years as saying I do not favour a system that would confer titles. I suggested that any scheme should operate within the existing constitutional framework and involve the conferring of public awards or citations. That can be done within the Constitution and does not require any change. It is not necessary to get involved in a change to the Constitution on the issue.

The system should be capable of applying to citizens, the diaspora and others who have made a significant contribution at international level or in Ireland. It should operate, and be seen to operate, transparently and independently. If we ever go ahead with this scheme, it should be open and not discriminate against anybody from any walk of life or class, creed or location. It should be an honour capable of being achieved by any citizen so that there is no elitism, as in some countries, attached to it. While a broad range of service achievements could be covered, I am particularly anxious that exceptional service for the betterment of the community would be included.

I have not gone over the history of this issue recently, but nine years ago I read the file in detail. The idea is certainly not new in political terms. The file started in July 1930 and has continued since. It is interesting, probably very interesting from the point of view of how not to do things. It was started in 1930 by Ernest Bligh, who made some progress on it. In 1946 Éamon de Valera took it up and he was followed in 1948 by Mr. Costello. In 1953 Éamon de Valera took it up again and was again followed in 1956 by Mr. Costello. In 1959 Mr. Lemass took it up and so on. I took up the issue in 1999 and have given it some attention since. All those involved were trying to establish a system. The issue about Ireland being a republic is well and truly covered.

There are good systems in Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France — on which we have based many decisions on issues — Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. To be honest I had put this one away, having tried in 1998 or 1999 to reopen it. The reason I have returned to it again is that quite a number of people, not a massive number, have been offered titles or honours by another jurisdiction. The present position is that if somebody is to receive a title or honour, he or she informs the Government. The majority of them have not been interested but raised the point that they have been asked and wish to inform us. Others have been offered honours and have accepted. There is a notional view that the Government must be asked and obviously we agree when asked.

One can see what is happening, a number of our prominent people are being honoured by the UK establishment. They would prefer, I think, to be recognised in their own country or not recognised at all. With most of them it is not a big issue. There is a continual trend of this practically every quarter. I am not talking about this scheme being for such people because many people here would not be known outside our own shores. There are certainly a great number of people, whether NGOs working in the Third World, those who are just good community people or people who have achieved internationally whom we should recognise. We have some schemes and probably many award schemes that are all important in their own right but we have no national award scheme for people who would consider they are being recognised nationally either through the President or by an advisory group of Parliament. That is a pity and the reason this debate has gone on, in one form or another, since 1930.

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