Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator O'Toole for sharing time. I welcome the Bill and commend my colleague, Senator Ryan, on introducing it. I hope it will get a speedy passage into law. I am aware that some people think that heraldry and genealogy is a colonial heritage that we should not value in a Republic. I could not disagree more. I believe it is the sort of thing we should value if we are to maintain the nation's heritage.

Another issue that has been raised is that there is a commercial aspect to it. There is little doubt that those who emigrated many years ago wish to be able to access the information that is available. I learned only today that some statute is necessary if legal doubts are to be removed concerning some of the arms that were granted to President Robinson, President McAleese and also to President Kennedy and President Clinton. We need a proper department of heraldry and genealogy and a vexillological register.

Dr. Pat Donlon, who is in charge of the National Library, wrote in 1996 that her long term plans included a dedicated, open access, genealogical reference centre to be housed in the refurbished extension to the National Library into the former National College of Art and Design premises. I hope the Minister will look again at those plans. There is a benefit in this for our heritage and a benefit for our traditions as well as a commercial benefit. I congratulate Senator Ryan on introducing the Bill. I hope the Minister will find a way to ensure it comes to fruition in whatever manner is the most suitable.