Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I certainly appreciate the points the Minister is making and his advisers' efforts to bring all this together. The importance of the outstanding issue that can be addressed under section 13(2)(f) is as follows. Let us take an elderly couple in a same sex relationship, sexual or otherwise, who have lived together for years. It may be a gay or lesbian relationship, or they may be sharing for pragmatic and platonic reasons. The type of situation that I envisaged in trying to have the Bill extended to cover same sex relationships was where one partner becomes ill and there is no one else to look after him or her. The Minister has been very progressive and open on the issue today by saying that he will seek to have section 13(2)(f) of the principal Act brought into play to introduce a new category.

I believe that on the last occasion when I spoke on this matter, I asked for that, but we could not get matters moving at that stage. I recognise that the decision must be made by the Government, and I accept that. However, if the Minister says he will act and that, if his recommendation is accepted, force majeure will be available to those in same sex relationships, that is a massive move forward and should be noted. It is an important statement regarding gay marriages, civil unions and their registration and it can deal with many of the issues about which people trying to get cover were concerned.

I appreciate the Minister's response, and I will take him at his word. If the Government turns him down, we will know where the target lies.