Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Norris's call for the civil partnership Bill. Issues arise in respect of a number of areas, whether it be in the context of the amendment under discussion or in respect of social welfare, which cannot be dealt with in isolation from that Bill. I urge the Minister of State to ensure that legislation is introduced in the House before the end of this session.

If the Minister of State is in negotiations in respect of the matters we discussed in the context of this amendment on Committee Stage, will he indicate if he plans to have an input into the civil partnership Bill in respect of the issues that have been raised by quite a number of Members? I refer to the various anomalies contained in the legislation with regard to this matter at present. It would be important that as many as possible of these issues be dealt with when we debate the civil partnership Bill. As stated on previous occasions, Fine Gael's view is that in the absence of the civil partnership Bill the amendment before the House is premature.

This matter is of concern to many couples, who are wondering what will be the nature of the law of the land in respect of it. As the Minister of State indicated earlier, the key consideration ought to be what is in the best interests of the child and how a child's welfare is best served by our adoption laws. We must also consider how best we might protect children irrespective of the status of their parent or parents. We must inquire how the greatest level of protection can be provided, what prevents discrimination against children and, regardless of the formation of their family, what will provide them with the most security as they grow up.

I would like the civil partnership Bill to be introduced as soon as possible. In addition, it would be good to hear from the Government the priority it intends to afford that legislation.