John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

In light of the fact that the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 will soon be before the House, will the Leader allow for a debate on the need for a referendum on this issue? It is almost certain that, should the Bill be passed, it will be challenged in the courts. I want to take the opportunity now to show the Judiciary, who watch what we undertake here, that there was no stomach for a referendum because I believe it would not be passed in a referendum. That is why I would strongly call on the Leader and the members of the Green Party to hold this referendum.