Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We are thinking of making him an honorary Senator because he comes here so often and stays for debates on his Bills. We are grateful to him for giving a commitment on this issue.

Senator Tuffy raised a point which was echoed by Senator Quinn that stable relationships are the glue in society and I agree. They may be the words used by Senator Quinn. In my view, a couple who love one another, who wish to care for one another and to continue their lives like that is a thing to be marvelled at, to be appreciated and of which to be glad. There is so much that is wrong, ugly and divisive in society that it is wonderful to find people of whatever sex — in same sex or heterosexual relationships — who have found a partner, someone who echoes their aspirations, their unsaid thoughts and can share things such as poetry, walking together, living and cooking together and doing all of the things which are lovely in a relationship and which everybody would applaud. I am only so sorry I have lost it. People who can be in a relationship which gives each partner joy and in which they can have joy unconfined with one another is such a wonderful thing. We should be offering a paean of praise to it, as this Bill does.

All these areas dealing with relationships and with the things that matter in life are being introduced incrementally. It may seem tardy but we live by our Constitution which is our charter for living. It is right and proper that the Minister should bring various matters to our attention in that regard. Senator Dardis stated his intention to call for the adjournment of the debate rather than for a vote. I concur on behalf of my party. We will not be calling for a vote on the amendment. I wish Senator Norris well tomorrow when he speaks to the committee and lays out his stall, so to speak.

In my view, this is a thoughtful Bill into which Senator Norris has put his heart, as have his colleagues, many of whom are in the Visitors Gallery. He has worked very hard on the Bill. Senator Terry made the point that Fine Gael as a party did not make a submission to the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. The former leader of Fine Gael, now the EU ambassador in Washington, made a very strong submission which was based on the family and which rejected outright any other type of relationship. I suppose many within the Fine Gael Party agree with that view. As I said this morning on the Order of Business, I appreciate the opportunity to express my views on this matter.