Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I thank Mr. Moran. It is not his first rodeo here so fair play to him. I was a bit taken aback by the Minister's response in saying that the three-year period was sufficient. I do not know who made up that rule or thought it was a great idea. It brings in unbelievable confusion for the very fact that, as Mr. Moran mentioned, the 2020 circular had the same wording in respect of the recognition of same-sex marriages and civil partnerships under the public service original spouses' and children's contributory pension scheme. Nothing in the wording changed. The 36-month condition is the biggest stumbling block.

We are legislators. If we were to change the legislation and remove the 36-month stipulation, what would be the implications for Mr. Moran and whoever else may be affected? Does that condition infringe on where that pension is now? When did it cease?