Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Regarding the Taoiseach's opening reply concerning his correspondence with the various party leaders, I apologise for the lateness of my response but it is in his pigeon hole since this morning. Like Deputy Gilmore and, I presume, Deputy Kenny, I consulted colleagues here and externally to put together a set of views on what is proposed. I am happy to say I concur with much of what the Taoiseach said. As an Irish republican, I believe an honours system can be devised that would be wholly compatible with republican principles. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility and of course it can be done. I would see it as creating recognition awards. I looked at An Agreed Programme for Government and noted there was a commitment included. Deputy Ryan, a co-signatory of the programme for Government, should be equally aware. Strangely enough, we have been discussing this issue for 35 minutes and it has not been alluded to at all. The programme states the Government is committed to introducing what are described as national presidential citizens awards. Is this the awards or honours scheme to which the Taoiseach is referring? What does that commitment in the programme represent? Is that what he is teasing out with the Dáil and in correspondence recently? Perhaps he can throw some light on the matter.

There are real concerns, to some of which the Taoiseach referred in his deposition, his letter and replies this afternoon. Will he again confirm that the selection process would have to be independent of the influence of the Government? It would have to be either a commission or panel, as the Taoiseach referred to it, which would clearly have to be seen to be independent. The address to the proposed recipients would refer to exemplary service to Ireland and their respective communities. God forbid that anybody would be considered for one of these awards on the basis of his or her elected position in this House as regards the negotiation of Government support following a general election. I notice Deputy Finian McGrath is to be the next questioner. I am sure he will be interested to hear what the Taoiseach has to say in that respect.

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