Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I pay tribute to Senator Norris for the work he has done in the past, and continues to do in this Bill, on the rights of cohabiting couples. This Bill, and the debate last May on the rights of non-marital and one-parent families, are valuable contributions to the development of policy in this important area.

I do not agree with Senator Ross's point that this is a simple matter and should be waved through. That is superficial and glib. Senator Terry's scriptwriter betrayed her by introducing a shallow and somewhat unfair note accusing people on this side of the House of being homophobic, hesitant and indecisive in the matter. We must be careful on this subject. Knowing Senator Terry as I do, I realise that her scriptwriter's vindictiveness is at fault not her own view in making a charge of homophobia.