Michael Mulcahy (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

We are debating amendments Nos. 1 and 2. Both amendments seek to include the word "cohabitants" after the word "partnership". The Minister's amendment proposes including the words "certain rights and obligations of cohabitants" and the other simply proposes the addition of the word "cohabitants".

I favour the Minister's wording but with a small caveat. In Part 15, which deals with cohabitants, I cannot find any obligations for cohabitees listed. There is a facility to seek redress from the courts, which could make orders. If a court makes an order, there is an obligation on the person against whom the order is made to comply with it. If that is the obligation referred to, I fully support it. I understand that there are rights and that the principal right of a cohabitee under Parts 15 and 16 is the right to seek redress. I understand that is the only principal right given in Parts 15 and 16. However, I am not quite sure about the obligations. Perhaps the Minister could enlighten me on that.

See this speech in context