John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I had not planned on speaking to this but I will follow up my colleagues' comments. I am delighted that two of my colleagues brought it up. As we all know, the only option open to LGBT couples up until now has been civil partnership. That was through no fault of their own, as other speakers have pointed out. If civil marriage had been open to LGBT people in the past, most of them would have embraced that option. Given that the opportunity was not open, and in light of the spirit of the law, if it is possible to acknowledge this issue, it would be greatly appreciated. I support the investigation of the option. It would be in the spirit of the matter, recognising the huge outpouring of happiness and joy that we saw in this country when the referendum was overwhelmingly passed. The people we represent in the rest of society would echo our comments. If it is possible for the Minister to examine Deputy Shatter's proposal, I and many others outside the Chamber would most certainly support the opportunity to look at it.

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