Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

"2.—"Living together as husband and wife" means that a couple shall be presumed to be living together as husband and wife in circumstances where they are cohabiting under one roof.".

A lengthy debate was held in the Dáil on the wording of this section. Deputy Shatter identified a number of constitutional issues in the Bill. I ask the Minister of State whether she can respond to the legal points raised by the Deputy. Clarity was lacking in a number of areas of the Bill. This amendment is straightforward. I ask the Minister of State to elaborate on the meaning of this section.