Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We must provide a structure for elderly brothers and sisters who care for each other and live in the same house to ensure they are not discriminated against.

I welcome this debate. We are at the start of a long road. In the presence of the Leader, I urge the Government to continue the debate in this House where we can make considerable progress in terms of advancing some of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission. Government and the Opposition can work in a bipartisan way to ensure the legislation is updated to give the necessary recognition to civil partnerships.