Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)

The Labour Party is to be commended for introducing this Bill because it has brought the issue into sharp focus. As Deputy Andrews stated, the Government is responsible for being a little tardy in dealing with this issue. It puts it up to us as to whether we are prepared to legislate to grant equality to all citizens.

I have difficulties with the motion before us this evening. My instinct is to accord every citizen equality. That equality is denied to people in same-sex unions in the face of the Constitution. It made me reflect on whether the Constitution serves us well any more. While it contains a reference to the protection and particular status of the family, I am of the mind that the Constitution does not serve us well. It is meant to be a living document of our times. However, it focuses on an era long since gone.

Contributors said last night that we have a duty. People's opinions on what is required and the circumstances of people's lives are not always accommodated within legislation. I have no doubt our duty as the current incumbents in this House is to provide legislation to grant equality to people in same-sex unions. As a result, I have difficulties which I expressed to the Minister yesterday. One wants to be generous and do what is right for people denied the capacity within our legal framework to be treated equally. In this sense, the Labour Party's Bill provides an opportunity to deal with this obvious inequality in our Constitution and the laws as they stand. I was minded to support it.

As we opened the debate, the Ceann Comhairle addressed the issue of whether the Bill is being killed and it is a moot point. I would find it more comfortable if the Government brought forward legislation which dealt with this issue. When I spoke to the Minister last night, he made the point that the Bill is not broad enough in terms of all that needs to be accommodated. Deputy Andrews also referred to this aspect. I accept the argument that a little bit is better than no progress at all.

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