Rónán Mullen (Independent)

There is a real issue about whether people are being listened to. I do not know who is hiring PR companies, but I am concerned that people are being watched for any sign that they might seek to express their views. I did not hear Senator Norris comment on the reports I have heard that the gay and lesbian equality network has for some time enjoyed a grant of approximately €100,000 a year from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform so that it could assist the Department in shaping legislation in particular ways. I have a concern about that. There has been an inequality of bargaining power around certain issues. In a genuinely liberal society we will always legislate in favour of people's consciences. We will not tolerate inappropriate comparisons with mixed racial or mixed religious marriages where people have conscience problems about particular arrangements in society. It is one thing to legislate for new things, but it is another thing to force everybody to go along with it in their own lives and professional activities in violation of their consciences. I appeal for a genuine liberalism in that matter.

I had things to say today about other topics, which I will reserve for next week, including the worrying reports of strikes. I plead, however, for a courteous and civil debate over the coming weeks and months on this civil partnership legislation, with no name calling.