Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I welcome this debate and congratulate Senator Henry and her colleagues for putting down this motion. I hope the House will not divide on the Government's amendment which is on the Order Paper. The debate started here and should continue here. I welcome Senator Norris's proposal to bring forward legislation on this matter. I would also welcome its early publication so that the Seanad could play a lead role. This is one of the areas in which the House has an immense contribution to make to Irish politics. Despite all the political pow-wowing that goes on in the other House, we have time to debate matters rationally here and there is much expertise on both sides of the House. Legislation will eventually be introduced in this area and we could make our mark on it. I very much welcome this debate.

I congratulate my party colleague, Senator Terry, whose policy document on civil partnership proposals was passed by our front bench. It will be published in the coming weeks and will reflect many of the ideas that have already been aired in the House. On behalf of the party I thank her for her work on this important issue.