Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a general throw at anyone who has an issue with any aspect of this Bill. That is wrong. It is exactly what is engendering fear and shutting people up. The public are afraid to express their opinions. The referendum could fail if we continue with this approach. I am not interested in any accusation against the Constitutional Convention or the Government, but I have difficulty with the Title of the Bill. It is unfortunate that the Title is the same as the name of a lobby group.

Senator Zappone's presentation was superb. Perhaps she can answer my question better. Can we not find a way to confer all equal rights and protections on gay people and any children they may have without it being seen as a redefinition of traditional marriage and the union of a man and a woman? Thus, we could respect difference while guaranteeing equality. The Senator or Minister might choose to answer in the course of this debate.