Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Having been on both sides of this House, I am not sure how I would solve that one because there is a consistency in that regard whoever is in government. An awards scheme would be an entirely different system. What happens in other countries and what would have to happen here is that a panel would undertake the task. That is the only way it could be done to ensure the system is fair. If it was seen as party political or favourable to the Government of the day or to some sector of society, it would not stand up. In so far as we have award schemes — there are many such schemes — they cannot be criticised for that. If the political system is involved, it would not be criticised either.

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