David Norris (Independent)

The Taoiseach recently raised the possibility of an honours system, apparently quite seriously. This is an area which must be considered. If we are to do so, this House must address the difficulties of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. A heraldry Bill was introduced in here in the last session by former Senator Brendan Ryan but it failed.

I am advised the difficulties are particularly with sections 12 and 13 of the Act and these could be met with a simple amendment which would regularise the position on the granting of coats of arms and so on. This may a little arcane but it is something the State does to distinguished international persons. It also has an impact on tourism. It would also be appropriate if we considered, in light of gender equality, certain anomalous titles in this country. I speak particularly of the Knight of Glynn, who simply because he has daughters cannot pass on that ancient, fascinating and rather charming title. Should we not have equality in inheritance? This would be a simple legislative matter.