David Norris (Independent)

While I acknowledge that Senator Brady is a good worker in his constituency as he was when he was a member of the local authority, it is time we addressed this situation. In the constituency from which we both come, there is a very large number of asylum seekers and refugees living in sub-standard accommodation which is never inspected for fire hazards, health and safety. If the amendment were made, it would ensure that the agreements in question could not be entered into. While the issue may be peripheral to the legislation, I appeal to the Minister of State, who knows the area very well, to take a look at Parnell Street and have its buildings inspected for fire, health and safety. For God's sake, let the Government be on the side of the vulnerable.

My attention has been drawn by Senator McCarthy to a section of the Bill to which we may not come. As I hope we will, I will not speak for long on it. Following in the wake of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, who removed rights of transport from gay couples, it is proposed to remove any right in defiance of European laws from same-sex couples to inherit tenancies. The Bill demonstrates a very uncaring attitude on the part of the Government to vulnerable citizens, which is a disgraceful position for any government to take.