Rónán Mullen (Independent)

We must have regard to the fact that statistics are easily quoted, but we should note that the burden of proof is on those who advocate radical social change. If we are sincere about providing the best possible environment for the upbringing of children in society, we will do nothing to put that at risk. We certainly will not do it on the basis of half-baked research. We must wait. I am not saying it is impossible to provide rights for persons who may be in same sex unions or in other mutually dependent situations, for example, siblings, carers and their dependants and relations of other kinds. As a means of seeking to end discrimination on the basis of a hollow notion of equality, would it not be inappropriate to bring in another form of unjust discrimination? The reality is that the preference the State gives to marriage exists purely and simply because of what married couples can do for society in terms of the upbringing of children. That does not mean we denigrate the situation of people where children are found elsewhere; it simply means we promote what is good while cherishing all the children of the nation equally at the same time.

The State must not be tempted to give same sex couples, given that they are vocal — that is no disrespect to them — and small in number, what they want because it would cost the taxpayer less. That would not constitute good social policy. It is certainly not appropriate to allow some classes of couples to jump the queue so to speak and to enjoy, along with married couples as we know them, rights to which other couples may equally lay claim.

These are the kinds of issues the Minister must consider carefully. I would be unhappy if, as a tactic, we saw opponents of same sex unions on one side — who I stress are not opposed to rights for people, that may come at a cost to the State, rights that they confer on each other privately — and advocates of same sex marriage, on the other side. It is not an acceptable compromise to create a same sex partnership situation, if that entails rights to which other couples, who are not necessary sexually or romantically involved, may equally lay claim.

It was Deputy Martin Mansergh who eloquently suggested that the State was long enough getting out of the bedroom and that it should not rush back in.