Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, and commend Senator Norris for tabling this important motion. Like others, I welcome the debate and also the good work under way by the National Economic and Social Forum and the Law Reform Commission in bringing recommendations to Government based on the Equality Authority report. I congratulate the authors of such a fine report.

Given that most of the issues have been well articulated by the Members who have contributed I shall not deal with them in detail. They have long been neglected in society and their resolution will have far reaching effects right across the board in all sectors, families and relationships. That the report has been considered by Cabinet and referred to the above bodies and a firm commitment given to revisit the matter when they conclude their work indicates that the Government has a positive, supportive and constructive attitude to it.

It is helpful that issues such as these are being brought to the forefront. Fianna Fáil has always been to the fore in pioneering social issues. On that note I strongly urge all sides to support and endorse the Government amendment which gives a clear commitment to revisit this important matter which should at that stage properly and rightly draw support from all sides of the House.