A POSTAGE stamp is to be issued next year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Daniel O'Connell, the Taoiseach revealed.

Mr John O'Donoghue (FF, Kerry South) suggested that a tangible way of commemorating Daniel O'Connell would be the acquisition and restoration of his birthplace which lay in ruins outside Cahirciveen, Co Kerry.

Mr Bruton said he would investigate the matter.

The Taoiseach, replying to the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, said the 150th anniversaries of the Young Ireland Movement and the 1848 Rising would be among the events to be considered by the Government in framing the 1998 postage stamp programme. He added, however, that it was extremely difficult to include commemorative stamps for all events, having regard to the limited numbers which could be issued.