Dáil debates

Thursday, 1 July 2010

Civil Partnership Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages

 

5:00 pm

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Howlin is right to say that a Pandora's box has been opened on this issue. Perhaps it is no harm that we get all these things out of the way, because we have a relatively small amount of time. It reminds me a bit of the Bill on stag hunting, when there was much debate about things that were not in the Bill. Exactly the same happened during the debate on the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009, which we enacted this time last year. Many people, including some learned senior counsel, went on the radio who clearly had not read the Bill and spoke about things that were not even in it. We have had an element of that during the lobbying for this Bill.

Deputy O'Rourke made a point about freedom of conscience. People were making representations. The registrars have not said anything to us. In fact, if there was anything said, it was positive as they did not ask for any exemption themselves.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.