Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a great pleasure to welcome this Bill before the House today, which will implement the will of the Irish people as expressed in the referendum result in May this year. Ireland has travelled a significant road to reach this point today, where legislation can be introduced in Dáil Éireann to allow for same-sex marriage in our State. The date 23 May 2015 will be remembered and celebrated in our Republic and across the world for years to come. As a country - the first to approve same-sex marriage in a popular vote - we can be rightly proud of the journey we have made together. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all those volunteers, both from political parties and from civic society, who went out night after night to knock on doors to win this campaign.

I was honoured to have led the Fianna Fáil efforts in the campaign in May as our director of elections for the marriage equality referendum. One thing on which I am sure the Minister will agree is the massive contribution made by young people throughout the country in this campaign. The engagement from our young people was heartening and created a buzz and positivity throughout the weeks leading up to the referendum vote. The fact that many supplementary registers were adding thousands of new young voters before the referendum shows that our young people remain engaged and anxious to play an active role in our political system.

I hope that Members opposite would allow me indulge in noting today Fianna Fáil’s role in legislating for key issues in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, guided by the fundamental principle of equality among citizens. From the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in 1993 to the Civil Partnership Act 2010, it was a Fianna Fáil-led Government that brought legislative change. This legislation before us today is a natural outcome of the years of progress that have been made thus far. As I did during the debate to legislate to allow the referendum take place, I commend the Government and the Minister on putting the referendum before the people and winning that referendum. I also congratulate the Minister on finally putting in place the last piece of legislation required to allow for same-sex marriage to take place in this country.

I will note one area of dissatisfaction in how this legislation has been brought before the House. I would like it noted by Members that when the Supreme Court examined the judgment on the marriage equality referendum’s process, the judges noted that it was relevant to mention the fact that we in this House and in the Executive must respect "the legal process by other organs of State". This is not the first time this Government has come into difficulty with referendums and the Judiciary. The judgment of the court did not affect the progress of this legislation, but that is not to say that a similar mistake on behalf of the Government in the future could not undermine referendums. The Supreme Court had time to consider the appeal from a member of the public but there was sloppy practice from the Government that could have serious consequences if it is replicated in the future.

I am happy that I and my party have the opportunity to vote for this Bill, which is a result of decades of hard work by so many people. It is an important moment in the journey towards full equality for same-sex couples and I believe the legislation before us will strengthen the concept of marriage in Irish society. I look forward to seeing this important legislation passed by the Dáil and Seanad so that it can be formally enshrined in law.

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