Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 146: To ask the Taoiseach if he will examine again the proposal to introduce the honours system in Ireland in order to honour citizens that have made a positive contribution to Irish society [48270/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that the introduction of a national honours system would require all-party agreement if it were to proceed.

As you are aware from previous replies, my predecessor, who shared this view, wrote to the main opposition party leaders in 1999, with a view to initiating discussions on the matter. It was evident, however, that there was not the cross-party support at the time to proceed with such a scheme. He wrote to party leaders in relation to this matter again in 2007 but not all the parties responded.

The timing of any further approach to opposition party leaders would have to take cognisance of other political priorities at the time.