Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

If the other House were sitting we could go over and indicate that we need an urgent debate. I agree the matter is extremely urgent and I am glad the Cathaoirleach has taken it as an Adjournment issue. Senator Bradford may have to deal with the potential unemployment in Fermoy.

Senator Bradford also referred to the case of Dr. Zappone and Dr. Gilligan. I know Dr. Gilligan well from when I worked in education. They sought authorisation for their Canadian marriage. Senator Norris's Bill deals with civil partnerships, which is a different matter. The underlying matters are whether taxation and welfare rules which appertain to marriage would also apply to civil partnerships. The two women involved in this case carried themselves well yesterday.

Senator Norris raised the matters of BUPA and his civil partnership Bill. I saw a statement on civil partnerships from the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the newspaper today and he intends to move on it in the new year.