Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister of State's remarks and welcome that the Government is not opposing this Bill. I was anxious that we would have a good Second Stage debate on the Bill and that has been the case. I welcome that there is all-party support for the Bill. I am confident that this is the right direction to go and I am pleased with Senators' contributions on the Bill.

I believe in honouring people who have given a lot to their country. I believe also that this recognition should not be limited to any one area, as in the case of the People of the Year and other awards. I would very much like to see the Bill complete its passage through this House prior to the forthcoming general election. The construction contracts Bill which I put forward in 2011, which is now the Construction Contracts Act, passed Final Stage in the Seanad 12 hours before the previous Government was dissolved. The incoming Government then took it on board and it has since become law. Given this Bill has all-party support I would very much like if it could be passed by this House between now and the calling of the next general election.

I accept that there will be some necessary changes to the Bill. Senators Heffernan and Moran mentioned that the abbreviated title of GU after a person's name might not be popular, which I understand. However, that is a relatively minor issue. The title "An Post" was first proposed during my time as chairman of that organisation. Many people were totally against that change but it has been very successful. I am a great believer in teasing out issues to see what can be achieved. In regard to the concerns around the giving of titles of nobility, we must ensure that the impression is not given that we are giving such titles. What will be given are awards of recognition based on what people have achieved.

When I drafted this Bill some months ago, I referenced in it the date of 1 January 2016. As it is highly unlikely that it will be possible to do anything between now and 1 January 2016, that reference will have to be changed to 1 January 2017. I propose to table an amendment in that regard on Committee Stage. I accept that as outlined by the Minister of State, there may be a need for other amendments. I am open to that.

I am confident, based on the cross-party support today for this Bill, that this is the right direction for us to go. I welcome that the Government does not propose to oppose the Bill and I thank all Senators who have contributed to the Second Stage debate and, in particular, the Minister of State, for their support for it. I urge the Minister of State to ensure all that is possible is done to ensure the Bill passes all Stages in the Seanad prior to the calling of the general election, following which it can be taken up by the new Government in the Dáil.