Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is undoubtedly a significant milestone in a journey that is still not complete towards achieving equal citizenship for all of our people and building a Republic. I acknowledge in particular the members of the Yes Equality campaign present in the Visitors' Gallery and congratulate them on their efforts and the joy they brought to a matter that has had a joyful ending. I also acknowledge the role of the Constitutional Convention in so accurately reflecting the views and feelings of Irish people on a matter of such fundamental equality. We do not regularly get opportunities to congratulate Ministers, but I congratulate the Minister because it is on her watch that the Bill has been successfully navigated through the legislative process, following on from the work of the previous Minister. I thank her for that. This is a moment of joy in the Chamber, one that we should enjoy and relish while we can. Good for us and good for all those in the Gallery.

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