Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I request a debate on the provisions of the Government's proposed civil partnership Bill because I believe Members should discuss the Bill before it comes to the House to be considered. Even after my short time in the Seanad thus far, I have learned that by the time a Bill comes to the House, it has been pretty much done and dusted and matters have been put to bed. However, I am concerned about the serious unfairness and inequality the Government seems willing to countenance because of lazy thinking in the Bill's preparation. I heard Senator Hannigan's comments in this regard yesterday and while I respect his point of view, I am concerned by the lazy thinking, which may have been exacerbated by a certain dose of political correctness.

It seems that in the name of equality, the Government now proposes to introduce four categories of people that I can think of. The first two categories are married couples and same-sex couples, who will enjoy a range of rights. The third category is that of cohabiting couples, who will enjoy fewer rights despite the possibility that among some cohabiting couples, one party may wish to marry while the other does not. Bottom of the pile will come those who are not necessarily romantically involved but are mutually dependent and who have made sacrifices for each other. I refer to the carer who has lived for years and looked out for a loved one who may not be a blood relative but who will be obliged to pay a tax on anything he or she might inherit. It appears, to paraphrase the former Senator Martin Mansergh, who now is a Member of the other House, that the State has been rushing back into the bedroom in this regard and appears to be about to perpetrate massive inequality. Is this how we will cherish the children of the nation equally? It is time for a debate and such issues must be considered in a cool-headed way that does not give into vested interests as a prime reason but seeks to do justice on behalf of all the citizens of the nation equally. I hope such a debate will be facilitated soon.

In addition, I was glad yesterday to hear Members on all sides of the House worrying and talking about excessive regulation from Europe. We may be on the point of having a new and fresh debate about our relationship with Europe and I hope the two-hour debate held on the Lisbon treaty last week will not be the end of the matter. I heard the points made by Senator Alan Kelly of the Labour Party. He appears to seek a protocol on jam jars and labelling and listening to Senator O'Donovan——