Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It might be useful to give some consideration to an overall award, a unique award, for persons who may have made a unique contribution to society. These people could be broadcasters, journalists or even the odd politician. There are many people who would merit special recognition. Provision is made in other constitutions, such as the French Constitution, for an awards system, for example, la Légion d'honneur. In Germany there is a similar system. In the United States there is the Congressional Gold Medal. These awards are not handed out liberally. They are unique awards for unique service. Perhaps over the passage of time there has been something of an aversion to recognising a major or great contribution in society, apart altogether from the individual awards mentioned by An Taoiseach. Would it be possible, in conjunction with the other party leaders, to look again at the prospect?

We must not allow a system to develop in which it becomes everybody's award. Rather, it should be because a particular contribution to society merits a unique award. It would be for that purpose only.

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