Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Not really. I regret very much that the word "homophobia" came into the debate. I am not castigating Senator Terry because I have found her to be extraordinarily open and transparent. I regret that the word "homophobia" was heard on this side of the House. Homophobia is a strong, ugly word which I have grave reservations about ever pinning on a person. In its way, it is a form of complete discrimination. Homophobia has never come into discussions with members of my party. On behalf of all of us I regret that remark and deny it was connected with what we proposed this morning.

A matter was raised while we were in the audio-visual room last Wednesday when Senator Norris and his colleagues gave a fine presentation on the Bill's proposals. The same point was raised in the House by several Members who, for one reason or another, might not have been able to attend the presentation. The issue is whether there is discrimination against married couples. I know from experience within my own family that if a married couple wish to separate or divorce there is a very long lead-in time before a divorce can be obtained and this proper. The ease of dissolution which appears to be provided for in this Bill could in effect be a discriminatory measure against a married couple who must go through the hoops, so to speak, to disengage from one another. I approve of that arrangement because I believe people should go to mediation and wait a number of years before they take such a significant step. Senator Norris and Ivana Bacik spoke about that provision at the presentation and Ms Bacik brought it to our attention most strongly.

In a small way I was involved in a labour law in about 1993 or 1994. One of its clauses stipulated that one could not be discriminated against regarding job opportunities or employment promotion on the basis of one's sexual orientation. I remember presenting the Bill in this and the other House. I was the Minister with responsibility for labour affairs at the time. I was glad to introduce that Bill because I regarded it as my contribution, my niche, in societal development.

In my view, society has made advances in this regard. As we were informed by The Irish Times, society has changed dramatically and that newspaper has been to the forefront of change. There is no doubt about that and the House is keeping up with that pace. It may seem sometimes as if we are tardy but I do not agree. The matter must be viewed from all sides. The Minister's speech was so thought provoking in the proper sense and gave the House so many facts that Members will be pondering them for some time.

I thank the Minister on behalf of the House. Ministers come and go; mostly they come and go very quickly but this Minister comes and stays——