Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will introduce an honours system for Irish abroad who have reached excellence in their professions, as recommended by the task force on policy regarding emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7601/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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One of the recommendations of the task force on policy towards emigrants was that an awards scheme be established to recognise the service of Irish persons abroad. I am aware of the invaluable contribution which Irish people who have emigrated have made and continue to make to developments in their adopted countries. On every appropriate occasion, I express appreciation and pay a warm tribute to their work. However, the matter of an awards scheme to recognise the services of Irish persons abroad would arise in the context of wider discussions on a national honours system, which is the responsibility of the Department of the Taoiseach.