Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I appeal to political parties to allow a free vote on this issue to stop the rerun of the 1980s debate and for them to stop corralling people. Let us be open and honest with one another as individuals. No manifesto commitments were given on this issue at the last election. The idea that political parties can take collective views on an issue of personal conscience is simply ridiculous and they would be taking a far more fair and mature view if they chose not to so do. I hope this House will take a lead in this regard by debating the issue as individuals, rather than as members of political parties.