Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I want to express my dismay at how the Government is dragging its feet on bringing about legislation for civil partnerships. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform have supported this issue. Surely they are not lacking the courage to introduce legislation at this stage. Setting up another committee is an attempt to drag its feet. The all-party committee has published its report and legislation should follow as quickly as possible. We must legislate for all the people of this country, regardless of their sexual orientation or religion. Many people must remember that Ireland is no longer just a Roman Catholic country. The Government is dragging its feet on this matter and it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. I urge the Leader to do whatever she can to bring legislation before this House, recognising the amount of work that Senator Norris and Fine Gael have done in this area.