Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I, too, want to raise yesterday's court verdict. It is more important than ever that we speedily deal with the legislation. We are fortunate that Senator Norris's Bill is before the House as well as Fine Gael's publication on civil partnerships. We have had debates in this House on it. We must proceed speedily. As Senator Brian Hayes said, these two women were brave to take this case. We must respect them and the many couples in this country who wish to have their partnerships recognised, whether gay, lesbian or cohabiting heterosexual couples. I urge the leader to speak to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, who wants to bring this legislation forward. Let us do it before the general election. We cannot afford to delay any further.