Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I join the other Deputies in welcoming Deputy Madigan's Bill. I fully support it, having been involved in the two original divorce referenda, in particular the successful second one. Irish people have a particular way of looking at issues. Referenda, in particular, can be very divisive. Issues which may not have even entered the minds of those drafting a constitutional referendum can become major issues during the course of a referendum campaign. In particular, I welcome the almost surgical approach in Deputy Madigan's Bill. Everybody in the Oireachtas and most people in Irish society would agree that the current time provision is both onerous and completely out of keeping with modern thinking. Shortening that provision would be very welcome. In as much as I might support an even shorter period of time, in order to prevent what I mentioned earlier, namely, the possibility that this proposal become bogged down in unforeseen circumstances, the inclusion of time period is the best way to go.

I do not support the amendments proposed. I support what Deputy Madigan has proposed, in particular on the basis of the work she has obviously put in to ensure the support of a cross-section of groups. Even if it is my own view that a set time period should never have been included in the Constitution to begin with, the complete removal of such a period at this point will result in a delay for the people who will be most aided by this particular change. This is something I would like to see implemented as soon as possible, so I support the Bill.