Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I am grateful to Senator Ryan for accommodating me. I line with the contributions from both sides I support the spirit of the Bill but I take cognisance of what the Minister has said.

I had the honour and privilege of being the Opposition spokesperson when the Cultural Institutions Bill was taken in the House and I became very familiar with the area of vexillology, genealogy and heralds. The Genealogical Society of Ireland has been at the forefront in this regard. I was reminded of Margaret Thatcher's famous "out, out, out" speech when the New Ireland Forum issued its report. To the three areas that Senator Ryan indicated in his Bill, the Minister has said unequivocally and unambiguously "no, no, no." However, I share his views and those of the Genealogical Society of Ireland about some form of recognition for eminent people in this country. I had this argument at the time of the previous debate. Former Senator, Joe Lee, and I mounted a challenge with the then Minister, Deputy Michael D. Higgins, who had fixed his mind in much the same way as has the current Minister about the specific proposal on honours and titles.

Government generally seems to have some sort of blind spot whenever one discusses these matters, partly because we are in a republic and should not do this. It is regarded as an anachronism and going back to the old times. However, I believe we could reach an accommodation in this republic of ours. It happens in France, which is probably the best example of a functioning republic with a monarchical structure. I see no reason someone could not devise something similar to the order of St. Patrick. We have very worthwhile local and national institutions that annually recognise the contribution that ordinary people make in the course of their daily lives. I attended a function recently in my county and understand it takes place in several other counties. I refer to the ESB-Rehab Person of the Year award and there are many others. The Leitrim Guardian magazine, which uniquely is the only magazine in my county published on an annual basis, has a person of the year award. While all these awards are good and fine, there is an argument for establishing a national scheme for recognition of people, which would in no way compromise our republican credentials.

I was very anxious to make a modest and limited contribution to the Bill. As I said at the outset, I empathise greatly with much of its contents. As Senator Jim Walsh said, I acknowledge what the Minister has said in the firm argument he made against allowing the Bill to proceed. It is encouraging that he said he would reflect on the points and arguments made here.