Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I know not everybody can be congratulated in the House, but special circumstances apply with regard to the excellent contribution made by John Bowman over the years on "Questions and Answers". I am sure other Members will agree that he distinguished himself in his chairmanship of that programme at a time when many in these Houses feel the broadcast media is not always as impartial or professional as it might be. That could never have been said about Mr. Bowman's chairmanship of "Questions and Answers". I am very sorry to see an end to that programme.

I regret the delay in the publication of the mental capacity Bill as reported today. This is important legislation, especially considering the importance of issues such as the need to safeguard older people against financial abuse. Codes of behaviour for financial institutions would be contained in this legislation and I hope it will be published without delay.

Comments have been made about the Civil Partnership Bill which has been published. When listening to the debate in recent days, I was struck by the media's presentation of this issue as though it was a debate between those who feel this is fully welcome and timely legislation and those who feel it does not go far enough. There is a third point of view - the one I hold - which is one of support for people in caring dependent relationships and for whom certain protections should be made available, while expressing concern that the legislation, as currently presented, is moving us towards a family diversity model and ignoring the real advantage we should all recognise-----