Shane Ross (Independent)

I wish to address the issue raised by Senators Mullen and Ó Murchú in the past few minutes. It is important that those of us who do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by those in the hierarchy should defend their right to state them. It is difficult to maintain that they should keep their mouths shut because we do not like what they say and it is wrong do so. We should let the message go out from this House that even if these people express views of which we do not approve, the House approves their right to voice them. No group, whether the Roman Catholic church or any group especially unpopular at the moment for other reasons, should be suppressed or silenced in their views. All lobby groups and individuals have a right to an opinion, even if we do not share it. That should go out, as Senator Ó Murchú stated, whether we are referring to the Protestant or Catholic bishops. Let us hear and respect what they have to say.

With this in mind, this side of the House should ask the Leader the position on the Civil Partnership Bill which, I presume, will come before us next week or the week after. The Seanad is meant to be less political than other Houses. Will the Leader consider allowing a free vote to Members of the House? The Cathaoirleach will correct me on this but I do not think the Seanad recognises parties or the fact that we have parties as such. On an issue of this sort, which is obviously of deep concern and a conscientious concern to Members of this House, it would be appropriate that the Bill should go to a free vote rather than a party vote. It has been a long time, if ever, since the Seanad has been allowed a free vote on an issue of this sort but the Government is not threatened by it. Even if that Bill was defeated or amended there would be no threat to the Government and the Bill itself might be improved. I ask the Leader to consider that in the light of the strong feelings held by members of his own party and by other members of this House.