David Norris (Independent)

I would welcome a debate on the economy and I share the concern expressed by colleagues, in particular with regard to the response of the Government to what is a critical economic situation, which appears to be to license every possible form of gambling, including casinos, which would not give one much encouragement.

I hope to take the opportunity to speak on Zimbabwe so I will not refer to it now except to repeat what I said in a previous intervention, namely, that President Mugabe was actually cheered out of the O'Reilly Hall when he attacked gay people, which was very regrettable.

On that subject, I am sorry that owing to a health problem I was not able to be in the House last week to mention the Government's proposed civil partnerships Bill. What is the timescale for this legislation? I will not be going into paroxysms of forelock-touching gratitude for an improvement in my second class status, which is what it is and nothing else. This is in defiance of the republican principles that are so often prated about in this House and in defiance of the very clear words of the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern.

On foot of this, I asked the appropriate authorities in this House if I could pass on pension rights to my partner. The answer was "No". That is the degree of equality we have. While I welcome that some of these matters will be addressed in the civil partnerships Bill, it is second class citizenship. The Minister's office contacted me subsequently and I understand a number of these matters will be dealt with under separate headings in the Finance Bill and the Social Welfare Bill. I am not sure this is the best way but I will consider it and it will probably have my support.

Nothing would be more likely or calculated to drive me into the arms of the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, than the opposition of people such as Senator Walsh on the Government side, and, regrettably, some on my own side.