Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senators Brian Hayes and Norris that it is regrettable that the debate on the Civil Partnership Bill will not go ahead this evening, given that we had such advance notice. I was looking forward to the debate, particularly in light of the fine recent speech by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and the proposals made by the Law Reform Commission a year ago.

We could have had a debate and despite Senator Dardis's reservations, and the possible constitutional difficulty, the Bill could have progressed beyond Second Stage. There could have been a delay before the other Stages to allow time to resolve those matters to which he referred.