James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 38, line 16, to delete "as husband and wife".

I regard this provision as discriminatory and it should be amended to take into consideration the rights of all citizens. It does not provide for partnership relationships. The Opposition highlighted this on Committee Stage. The Minister of State has gone out of his way to exclude people. I ask him to delete the words "as husband and wife" and insert "partners" which would make the Bill more inclusive.