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

We can be trusted to deliver on this most important and urgent issue of civil and human rights. Fianna Fáil wants to treat all our citizens equally, as it is the republican party.

I am impressed by the consultations and preparations undertaken by the Government during this Dáil. We will get it right for same-sex couples and soon. The issue should not be rushed at the last minute before a general election. We all accept the need for change and the least we owe same-sex couples who have waited so long for this change is to get it right. I am supporting the amendment.

I appreciate the many items of correspondence I have received in the past week, the past few days in particular, from constituents and others around the country. Anybody would be impressed by the points made. I am happy to meet those who wish to contact me and others, be they groups or individuals. I will try to play my part in what is an important discussion. I have made my point but people are entitled to disagree with it. The issue is serious. I welcome the opportunity afforded to me to make a short contribution. I look forward to the vote.

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