John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also compliment and congratulate Deputy Josepha Madigan for proposing the Bill. My party and I will be supporting it. It is more than 20 years since the referendum was passed. I believe the four year rule was critical in passing the legislation at the time, such was the closeness of the vote. However, time has moved on and society has moved on.

I suppose there is no such thing as an amicable divorce but when divorces are particularly difficult forcing people to wait four years to sort out issues such as property and access rights is inhumane. People want to move on with their lives. If we are to help them move on with their lives, a two year separation period is reasonable. It will allow people the space they need to get their affairs in order while not being unduly cumbersome in allowing them to get on with their lives. As a legislator, I consider what Deputy Madigan is proposing in the Bill to be fair. I believe the whole House will support it and urge that the necessary referendum takes place as quickly as possible. Let the people have their say. I have no doubt that they will support the proposal.

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