Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Seanad on this Private Member's Bill, Gradam an Uachtaráin 2015, proposed by Senator Quinn. I thank the Senator for his work on the Bill and for raising the issue. Senator Quinn has served with distinction in this House since 1993 for the National University of Ireland panel. In his 20 years of service, he has always seen the role of a Senator as that of a legislator. This Bill is the latest in a long list of legislative proposals that the Senator has brought before the Oireachtas. Since 1993, governments involving different political parties and led by five different taoisigh have considered legislation proposed by him. Some Bills have passed into law and others have been opposed, but each Bill has highlighted an issue deserving of debate.

The House will be aware that Article 40.2.1 of the Constitution provides, inter alia,that titles of nobility shall not be conferred by the State. The purpose of this Bill is to provide a mechanism to facilitate the conferral by the State of an honour to be known as Gradam an Uachtaráin, to recognise the exceptional achievements of its citizens and the outstanding contributions of others and to provide for related matters. The Government is not opposing the Bill, although that should not be taken as implying acceptance of all the details of the Senator's scheme.

The Bill proposes the establishment of an honours system to be known as Gradam an Uachtaráin, which will be marked by the presentation by the President of a medal which may be worn on formal occasions and a lapel button. The award recipient would be able to use the letters GU after his or her own name. An awarding council of seven persons would be nominated, comprising the Secretary General to the President, the serving presidents of the National University of Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy, IBEC and the ICA and two current lay serving members of the Council of State, nominated by the President. A maximum of 12 persons would be honoured per year and not more than four of the awards may be conferred upon persons of a nationality other than Irish. There would be six broad areas of achievement for which the award could be conferred: social and community affairs; education and healthcare; arts, literature and music; science and technology; sport; and leadership and business. The award would be conferred in January each year beginning in January 2016 and candidates to receive an award would be nominated by members of the public or the awarding council. The Bill would prohibit a serving Member of either House of the Oireachtas from engaging with any member of the awarding council with the intention of influencing the making of an award. Failure to comply with this prohibition will incur a class A fine.

The issue of an Irish honours system has been considered on a number of occasions in the past and efforts were made to reach a political consensus on it. However, none of these efforts were successful. As far back as 1963, the then Government approved in principle the idea that a State decoration of honour be instituted and subsequently, the then Taoiseach wrote to party leaders. However, general consensus was not reached and the matter was not pursued. The issue was revisited in 1991 when the then Taoiseach wrote to party leaders inviting them to exploratory talks. However, the talks did not take place as the political climate was not right at the time. Again in 1994, the then Taoiseach wrote to Opposition party leaders asking for their views on the introduction of an honours system. The issue was not progressed as it did not obtain all party agreement.

The introduction of an honours system has been raised on a number of occasions since this Government took office in parliamentary questions in the Dáil on October 2011, May 2012 and November 2013. A further parliamentary question was put down on 31 March this year by Deputy Derek Keating. Following that, the Taoiseach wrote to all party leaders to establish if all parties would be willing to engage in discussions on a national awards scheme. Only one party has responded. The Taoiseach has repeatedly said that all-party consensus is required before considering an awards scheme. In any event, the timing of any such consideration would have to take cognisance of other political priorities.

It should be noted that there are already in existence a number of award schemes through which the State recognises and awards merit, distinction or bravery in particular areas. Gaisce, which is also known as the President's Award, is a scheme to challenge young people to use their leisure time for positive development and the betterment of their communities. Gold, silver and bronze medals are presented by the President as recognition of achievement. In 2012 the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad was introduced. The award is presented by the President to persons living abroad, primarily Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and persons of Irish descent who have made a sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or Irish communities abroad. Ten awards are made each year.

Aosdána is a scheme to honour artists whose works have made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland. The scheme offers a basic level of financial security to those who need it to enable them to devote their energies fully to their art. The National Bravery Awards are awarded for deeds of bravery. The Deeds of Bravery Council awards gold medals, bronze medals and certificates. Another example is the Scott medal for bravery. This is in the gift of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and is awarded by the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Volunteer Ireland Awards are presented to recognise people who are unsung heroes and have given time volunteering throughout Ireland. The President is patron of these awards. Nominations can be forwarded by members of the public and the categories for awards include arts, culture and 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.

In addition, as the House will be aware, there are commercially sponsored awards ceremonies which recognise contributions to sport, business and charities. Examples include the Rehab Person of the Year Award, the Irish Film and Television Awards, The Irish TimesIntertrade Ireland Awards for young innovators and small businesses and the RTE Sports Person of the Year Award.

As I said earlier, the Government will not be opposing this Bill. However it should be noted that not opposing the Bill does not necessarily imply acceptance of all the details therein. As mentioned previously, the Taoiseach has made the point on several occasions that all-party support is required before considering an awards scheme.

I thank Senator Quinn for putting this Bill to the House. The Government will take on board the contents of the Bill and will not oppose it.