Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

If the Opposition wishes to speak about equality and parity of esteem why does it seek to denigrate, or caterwaul about, a party that is quite up front and determined to put its stamp on Government? I wish the party well and am really happy with our bedfellows.

It is the duty of Government to ensure that legislation it brings forward will withstand constitutional challenge but the Bill put forward by Deputy Howlin and the Labour Party would not. If and when such a challenge were mounted the Government of the day, not the Labour Party, would have to fight it in court. We should heed this point. Why go into a matter on which legal advice has been obtained and can be made public if necessary?

I support the idea of same sex unions and the Government amendment. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will ensure the heads of the Bill will come forward.

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