Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

The issue of a State honours system has been mooted many times in the past but there has never been all-party support to sustain its development. In September 1999, I wrote to the main Opposition party leaders enclosing a discussion paper. It was the first time a serious attempt had been made to outline the broad shape of such a scheme. I made it clear that I was completely open to any views which other parties might wish to put forward, including, in particular, views on the central question as to whether a scheme was desirable.

It has always been my view that a national honours system would require all-party consensus if it were to proceed. However, it was evident at the time that there was not the cross-party support required to introduce such a scheme. I have always been in favour of some form of national honours system and it is a matter of considerable regret to me that we do not have any way of formally recognising outstanding achievements by Irish citizens.

In this regard, I recently wrote to Opposition party leaders to inquire if the parties would now be prepared to enter into discussions about a system for formally recognising conspicuous service to Ireland and the Irish people or signal achievements in various fields of endeavour. I am pleased to report that Deputy Kenny has responded favourably on behalf of his party, indicating that it is prepared to enter all-party negotiations and nominating Senator Frances Fitzgerald as its representative. Deputy Gilmore has indicated that he intends to bring the proposal before his party's parliamentary party and will revert to me in the matter when it has considered it. To date, I have not received a response from Deputy Ó Caoláin. Other Deputies have raised this issue in the House a number of times. For example, Deputy Finian McGrath, supported by other Deputies, has raised it with me many times.

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