Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

Children have been educated in same sex institutions throughout the history of the State. Many single parents raise their children in loving homes and we should not shy away from providing the children of gay parents the security of stable and loving family relationships. It is for that reason and the reason the Government has proposed the first ever children's rights amendment to the Constitution that we need time to make sure we get this right for the children concerned and the adults who love and care for them. I have heard the view that the Bill does not give us that time.

We have heard Opposition criticism of the Government amendment. I agree the time has come to provide same-sex couples with a proper legal structure and status for their relationships. The many issues facing other cohabiting couples can also be addressed at the same time or separately, but there are differences. Opposite sex cohabiting couples can get married if they are free to do so but same sex couples cannot. This issue needs to be addressed urgently. All cohabiting couples are not the same and same-sex couples are the most disadvantaged, a matter I want to see corrected. It is not right to equate non-sexual relationships such as those between cohabiting family members with loving same-sex relationships.

The time is right to act on this important human rights issue. However, it must be done properly and not rushed just because of a general election. I hope that in supporting the amendment it will be seen as my signal that I am looking to my party to commit to bringing to the House comprehensive legislation which will properly address many of the issues raised in this debate and more. We have fulfilled these promises in the past. We have promised to do so again now and we will deliver.

There is urgency attached to this matter. That is why the Government has done much work already. As a representative of a diverse constituency, I would like to be able to assure my constituents that this is a priority for Fianna Fáil in government and one on which we will deliver in a proper way as soon as we can.

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