Shane Ross (Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach, the Minister and others, including Senator Mansergh, for intervening on an issue which the Senator raised a few minutes ago. It was an issue which greatly troubled the Church of Ireland and on which several of us were lobbied and asked to make representations, which we did.

I refer to the Church of Ireland rule whereby people need not make the most positive affirmation that there is a reason they should not be married. This Bill, if it is not amended, might conflict with that, and the Church of Ireland might end up having to jettison its own liturgy in some way. It found itself in a great deal of difficulty as a result of this Bill. I am not certain that the problem has been finally resolved by what we have heard already, but I am told that much has been going on behind the scenes and that the Government is looking very sympathetically on this case. That should be recognised at this stage. Perhaps the Minister might address that again in her summing up. The Church of Ireland ceremony dates from the 12th century, and it has not been found particularly faulty. It would be difficult not just for liturgical reasons but for those that Senator Mansergh——