Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

While Deputies may find it funny, we are working on it. Of course I acknowledge that many same-sex couples seek full equal status with opposite-sex couples by having the option of marriage extended to them. I respect that ambition but legislative reform is possible only to the extent permitted by the Constitution.

On the question of constitutional reform — I want this point made as a different impression was created earlier — the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution did not favour an amendment to the constitutional definition of the family. In facing the strategic decision as to whether to change the definition of the family to extend constitutional protection to all forms of family life, the Oireachtas committee took the view that such an amendment would cause deep and long-lasting division and would not be passed by a majority. The Taoiseach has accepted this point of view and I also believe it is the correct assessment. If we were to go down the road of proposing change that required constitutional reform, and that constitutional debate was begun and lost, the cause of equality would be set back for years. That is something for which I must take responsibility. I cannot just simply posture on the subject.

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