David Norris (Independent)

Having already sought a debate, I now call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, the number of times the jet in question has landed at Shannon Airport, its purpose, the reason the Garda has not boarded it to ascertain what it is going on and to report back to the House. Details on this matter are on the record.

I propose that the House note the interesting and useful judgment handed down today in the High Court in the case of two courageous young Irish women, Dr. Katherine Zappone and Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan. The court indicated that the case in question involves a serious matter which remains to be determined by the Supreme Court, namely, the recognition of a marital relationship between two persons of the same sex. I raise the case because the Leader made an excellent suggestion that an all-party committee examine this area in a calm, rational manner. I would be prepared to make available to such a committee drafts of two Bills we have prepared in this area.