Wasn't it changed so ordinary people would get them. You had to be nominated by whoever and then they investigate whether you are entitled.
I do know someone who works for the council, not in admin but on the ground he works with travellers or gypsies and they camps in Belfast. He got it last year and it was his department all wrote in and he won one. Then of course going to the Place etc cost money(you pay), the fancy certificate which you again pay for, the very highend one over £2000 or the bog standard cheap one which is under £1000(sorry can't remember the exact amount). They are handwritten by professionals and depends if you want the velum or paper and presentation box.
So this might explain why ordinary people don't want as its too expensive.