John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Regarding No. 15, the Civil Partnership Bill, it is unusual for a Bill to get to this stage in the Seanad. A debate of two hours is very comprehensive. The outcome of the vote would be a different matter from the consideration of the substance of the Bill. It would receive full and fair consideration in the course of a two-hour debate.

I am a member of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution, which is dealing with the issue of the family. That committee welcomes the fact that Senator Norris is to appear before it to make a presentation. However, it would be entirely wrong to introduce legislation until the committee has concluded its consideration of the matter, particularly given that it is likely that a constitutional amendment will be required in addition to legislation if the matter is to progress satisfactorily. Therefore, it is reasonable that the Bill be debated fully and that we decide on the basis of the vote at the end of that debate whether the Bill should proceed further. It is unusual for a Private Members' Bill to get to this point or to have it considered fully. I appeal to Senator Norris to allow a full debate to take place this evening so all the relevant issues can be thrashed out appropriately and comprehensively.

The introduction of the Kyoto Protocol is significant. It would be more significant if the United States, China and India were involved in the process, but at least it is a start. There is a growing awareness worldwide of how misuse of the environment can change the climate. For that reason the protocol is welcome. We should soon have a comprehensive debate on global warming and the global environment, not just the domestic one.