Results 6,241-6,260 of 18,728 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I came into the House——

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I came into the House to point out what has been and what will be achieved by the Government. I had one thing in mind, namely, that having listened to Deputy Howlin, I would put on the record the difficulties and problems with his Bill, but Deputy Howlin has constantly interrupted me. The truth is that in five years the Labour Party did nothing. The Government, however, has done a hell of...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "That Dáil Éireann: Affirms that any legislative reform in this area must be fully consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and in particular the State's constitutional duty to protect with special care the institution of marriage; and accepts the need for legislative reform for the...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: We need to build on a number of developments which have already materialised. We should bear in mind that a major development in our constitutional jurisprudence will inevitably arise, one way or another, from the Supreme Court's decision on the Zappone appeal.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Chair.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is coming.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is coming.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The approach we are proposing will build on a number of developments which have already materialised. A significant development in our constitutional jurisprudence will inevitably arise from the Supreme Court's decision on the Zappone appeal. As increasing numbers of people in Irish society reside in domestic arrangements which are not founded on marriage and do not conform to...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Legislative reform in this area is complex, given that it deals with the intersection of the law, in the public and private spheres, and personal relationships.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Government considers that this issue must be addressed within the existing constitutional framework. A constitutional amendment to qualify the status of marriage to accommodate gay and lesbian relationships would, in the view of the Government, be highly unlikely to succeed. If such an amendment were attempted, it could be very counterproductive in terms of achieving social consensus on...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The revolution in mindsets that has partially taken place must be completed. Far from considering gay and lesbian orientation as a mere attribute, we are beginning to understand that sexual orientation is central to the character and identity of the individual and must be seen in that light. I often consider the life of Dr. Alan Turing as a parable for our time. As many people in the House...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is an extraordinary irony that a man who contributed significantly to saving the world from the Nazi regime was prosecuted in 1952 for an open gay relationship with a young man and forced to accept injections of oestrogen as an alternative to going to prison. Having been excluded from his life's work because of his homosexuality, he was driven to suicide in June 1954. His life and his...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I would like to mention the Government's commitment to the development of gay rights since 1997. In particular, I will highlight the policy changes which have benefited gay people in this jurisdiction.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Members opposite, who are interrupting me constantly, did nothing on this front when they were in government from 1992 to 1997.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Ireland has developed one of the most modern and extensive equality codes in Europe since 1997. The comprehensive Employment Equality Act 1998, which outlaws discrimination on nine distinct grounds, including sexual orientation, deals with discrimination in work related areas from vocational training to access to employment. The Act, which was introduced by the current Government, relates...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy has been barking throughout my speech. He should allow me to speak. I am entitled to speak. I did not interrupt him.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I listened carefully on my monitor to every word Deputy Howlin said.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: I know exactly what he said. I know how hypocritical he is being now. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 outlaws discrimination in occupational pensions on the nine grounds, including sexual orientation, to which I have referred. When the Government amended the health insurance legislation in 2001, not only did it maintain the existing protections for consumers, but it...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: Not one thing was ever done by that party.

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (20 Feb 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy can continue to say "rubbish", but what I am saying is true. The Labour Party never lifted a finger in this regard.