Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

When the Garda Síochána Act was debated in this House, the issue of Garda reservists was prominent. Members from all sides argued for moderation, calm and dialogue between representatives of the gardaí through the Garda Representative Association, the Minister and the Commissioner. This issue has been simmering for some time. I fundamentally agree with the GRA position, supported by the new Garda inspectorate, that more time should be set aside for training reservists. However, all the good points the GRA has made are set at zero by the remarks made by one of its representatives last week to the effect that the new reservists would be despised and hated in Garda stations. That is unacceptable and we have a responsibility to say so. We also have a responsibility to remind all members of the force of their obligation to enforce the law fully. It is also important that if civic-minded people give up spare time at the weekends or during the week to act as reservists on a part-voluntary basis we should support them and do everything in our power to make the force a success. The comments made by the representative to whom I referred are out of touch with the majority of members of the Garda Síochána and we have a responsibility to say so in this House.

Will the Leader report on the progress, or lack of it, made on No. 28 on the Order Paper? It is a Private Members' motion in the name of Senator Norris relating to the Civil Partnership Bill 2004. I ask because of a case taken to the High Court by two constituents of mine, Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan and Dr. Katherine Zappone. This House has a proud record of pioneering reforming legislation. Senators Terry and Norris, and others on all sides of the House, have said civil partnership needs to be a priority issue. When will the Government introduce legislation in this area to give basic rights to people in same sex relationships? If it does not do so, politicians will continue to incur the criticism of the Supreme Court, where it will ultimately arise, for not having the courage to address such issues. This House is the place to do so. Senator Norris has come forward with an initiative which I welcomed at the time. We now need to move it on.