Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On Deputy Finian McGrath's first question, the French system is good, has worked well and has been in operation for a long time. In this regard, one should bear in mind that France is a republic. Its system is associated with the political system yet retains its independence. It is easy enough to see how one can build a system around such a concept, and doing so would not present a difficulty for us. I agree with the Deputy that our system should be open to every citizen involved in any service to mankind, including service to one's community.

I agree most with Deputy Finian McGrath's last point. Those who have been involved with award schemes, be they county-based or sectoral, have told me they like their own schemes and the associated annual events. Nobody will ever need to change this but one must acknowledge there is a big difference between a county or organisational award scheme, associated with the arts, sport or another field, and one that confers national recognition. It is an entirely different concept. We must really decide whether we want an award scheme that, without conferring titles, recognises people in designated categories who do extraordinary work, provide exceptional services, achieve outstanding results, earn international distinction or make an inspirational contribution to a community. We must decide whether it is a good idea to recognise these people by putting together an independent scheme with an arbitration committee. Recognising the scheme in the Constitution is not the difficult matter; the challenge lies in deciding whether the scheme would get caught up in political argy-bargy. If we want to go ahead with it, I will be happy to try to facilitate it, but if not, I will understand.

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