Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I will try to discover, as quickly as possible, when the Bill is due be introduced.

There is no doubt that cultural and social changes are giving rise to legislative change. Society is leading the way and prompting such legislative change. I am of the view that, in time, society will decide whether it is acceptable for gay couples to adopt children and legislators will then make their move.

I am amazed by people who refer to children needing mothers and fathers. Are these individuals inferring that children who, for example, only have mothers are living in a dysfunctional environment? Those who state that children should be raised by both a mother and father must be extremely careful with regard to the language they use.