Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not have an objection to this in principle. In fairness to Deputy Keating, he has raised the matter each year since 2011. He has been consistent in doing so. It is not the first time this has been suggested but the absence of all-party agreement is the deterrent or obstacle. Article 40.2.1° of the Constitution clearly states that titles of nobility shall not be conferred by the State. The last attempt to do something about this was by my predecessor, former Deputy Bertie Ahern.

There are a number of schemes run by the State whereby the State recognises and rewards merit, distinction or bravery in particular cases. These include the President's Award, Gaisce, for young people. That is a scheme where young people are challenged to use their leisure time for positive development and the betterment of their communities.

Gold, silver and bronze medals are presented by an tUachtarán as a recognition of that achievement. That scheme has not been established on a statutory basis.

The second is the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. This was introduced in 2012. The distinguished service award is presented by an tUachtarán to persons who live abroad. Primarily, these are Irish citizens who are entitled to Irish citizenship or persons of Irish descent who have made a sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad. A total of ten awards are made each year. I understand you have attended a number of these, a Cheann Comhairle.

The third is Aosdána, the national scheme to honour artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland. It offers to those who need it a basic level of financial security to enable them to devote their energies fully to their particular art.

The fourth is the National Bravery Awards awarded by the Deeds of Bravery Council. The council awards medals and certificates for deeds of bravery. A deed of bravery is defined as an effort to save human life involving personal risk. The council awards gold medals, bronze medals and certificates. It may also pay compensation to recipients or their dependants. Another example of this type of award is the Scott Medal awarded annually by the Garda Síochána for bravery. The gift is presented by the Garda Commissioner but awarded by the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The fifth is the Volunteer Ireland awards. These are presented in recognition of people who are unsung heroes and who have given time volunteering throughout Ireland. Nominations are forwarded by members of the public. The categories include arts, cultural media, sports and recreation, health and disability, children and young people, campaigning and awareness raising, community education and training, social work, animals and environment, and international development.

There are commercially sponsored awards ceremonies as well which recognise contributions to sport, business, charities etc., for example, the Rehab People of the Year awards, the Irish Film and Television Academy awards, the Irish Times InterTradeIreland awards, which are for young innovators and small businesses, the RTE Sports Person of the Year award, and the Entrepreneur Of The Year award, which is presented in three categories: engineering, industrial and international awards. There are 24 finalists and the winner goes on to participate in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

I know Deputy Keating has done some research on the matter. If he wishes to converse with me about it I would be pleased to do so. He may wish to engage with the leaders of the other parties with a view to this. Within the constraints of Article 40.2.1°, under which nobility and titles are not awarded by the State, we have a range of opportunities to reward people for exceptional performance and so on. Perhaps Deputy Keating might wish to take that up. I would be happy to converse with him further on the matter.

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