Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I do not have time to comment on Deputy Cuffe's contribution, however when he speaks about protection for the vulnerable party in a relationship he is undoubtedly talking about the Green Party. In such circumstances the vulnerable party does not deserve protection because week after week Deputy Cuffe comes here and overturns everything he and his colleagues said in the last Dáil. It is becoming like a long-playing record and I give him credit for none of his performances in recent weeks, least of all the one we heard in the last few minutes.

I welcome this Bill. Although I did not have the opportunity to speak on the Bill when it was first introduced by Deputy Howlin in February, my party and Deputy Jim O'Keeffe supported the legislation. I am pleased to support it and to offer the support of Fine Gael. I welcome its restoration to the Order Paper and am disappointed in the Government's response. I telephoned the Government Whip's office early this morning and several times during the day after the Cabinet meeting, eagerly awaiting the response. I could not believe the response it received. I thought that of all the issues raised in Private Members' time, the Government could not have the neck to reject this legislation. I recall what Government parties said on the previous occasion, particularly the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, former Deputy Michael McDowell. I recall what the Taoiseach said on numerous occasions in the intervening period and what was in the programme for Government on the part of Fianna Fáil, the vulnerable party and the one or two Progressive Democrats left, who previously professed to stand by the Republic.

It is timely that we commit the Bill to the Order Paper and to the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, because having recently been established after the election, the committees do not have a detailed or important workload. If there are difficulties of the type experienced by the Minister, the select committee is the place to deal with it. This is an equality and human rights issue. It is appropriate that legislators encourage and facilitate enduring and stable relationships, and that we recognise same-sex civil unions and register them in law. This registration would provide legal security, certainty and a degree of fairness before the law where injustice and discrimination dominate. Same-sex couples in long-term relationships face major inequities on a daily basis in property and inheritance, taxation, social welfare entitlements, succession, next of kin appointments and entitlements, pensions, children parented by either partner, illness and death.

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