Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss this issue today and I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. I am grateful to him for acknowledging the number of occasions I have raised this issue. The record will show that I raised it previously in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

I do not wish to use a pun but this proposal has considerable merit. Ireland is one of the countries that does not have an awards system to acknowledge the accomplishments and efforts of people, some of whom might be known and have a high profile and others who are unsung heroes in their communities. It is long past time to introduce such an awards system.

The Taoiseach referred to the fact that I have carried out research on this. I have spoken to diplomats, ambassadors and people from other parts of Europe. This is in place in a number of other states. I recall a debate on this issue in 2011 to which Members such as Deputies Martin, Adams, Mathews and Durkan contributed. Unless I misread the situation completely, there was a positive response to this issue and, frankly, I hoped that it might have been progressed to a further stage by now. Subsequently, I had a meeting with the Chief Whip and there was agreement that we would take it to a further stage and discuss it with the other party Whips and so forth. I am disappointed that we have not moved to a further stage, but I am anxious to continue to explore this option. I believe it would be in the national interest. It would give recognition to people, many of whom might be known and popular but many of whom might not necessarily have such a profile, are unsung heroes in their communities and make various efforts in their lives and in society.

I am interested to hear what the other Members say before I make concluding comments.

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