David Norris (Independent)

To flesh out matters slightly, I referred to this kind of amendment when I discussed the amendment tabled by my colleague, Senator Bacik. It is carefully drafted and I assume that at some stage this is the kind of measure that will be introduced. In the first instance, the amendment ensures the involvement of a stable couple, whose members have been involved in a long-term relationship. In addition, it safeguards the rights of the child by requiring the applicants to have demonstrated to the appropriate authorities under this legislation that they are fit persons to adopt.

While there may not be an opportunity under this Bill, I ask the Minister of State to indicate privately to me and to Senator Bacik, who has been instrumental, together with other Members of the House, in teasing out the arguments for this issue, whether he can find out from the Government precisely what are its intentions regarding the civil partnership Bill. The Leader of the House has stated a number of times on the Order of Business that the Bill will be introduced within a certain timeframe. The autumn now is being mentioned but when a Green Party Member is asked, it is due before the summer recess. Will the Minister of State communicate a timeframe to Senator Bacik and me under which at least this part of the puzzle will be resolved?

For example, a situation has arisen in respect of a grandmother who is an average person, who certainly is not a strident or revolutionary person, namely, Mrs. Gill of County Offaly. She passionately makes a plea on behalf of the baby who she considers morally to be her granddaughter but who, because of the non-recognition issue, has no legal connection with her whatsoever. I also refer to the remarkable and dignified pleas that were made by existing and now virtually adult children of gay relationships, both on the airwaves and in the pages of The Irish Times. I record my gratitude to The Irish Times, in respect of both articles and editorials, in seeking to rectify this remaining injustice and violation of people's civil rights.