Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for a very comprehensive reply. I can appreciate the issues the Minister of State has raised and the points addressed, particularly the dilemma posed whereby, despite the call for submissions, a very small number of submissions were received from people in non-conjugal relationships. I can understand that this posed a difficulty for the group in considering its report. Perhaps there was not as much of an awareness, and perhaps the proposed civil partnership Bill has brought about a greater awareness among people. Some of the issues that have arisen for people in such living circumstances have started to occur only in the last number of years with the change in property prices.

I welcome in particular the final paragraph of the Minister of State's response where he said it will be possible and it is important that the specific issues that arise for these people will be addressed and that it will be dealt with by the Government as appropriate. I welcome the commitment that was given that in the general area of siblings and friends, this will continue to be reviewed with a view to determining the need for any legislative or administrative actions by the relevant Departments. Should it be decided to take any action as a result of these reviews, might it be possible to be informed of that action? Can I take it that the study recommended will not go ahead?