Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The majority of us on both sides of this and the Lower House look forward greatly to seeing civil partnership ceremonies conducted here. This is a Bill that is long overdue as it has had a long genesis. It does not go far enough for us but we recognise the historic nature of this day.

We will support the Bill and we will also support the protection for cohabitees which has been provided. It is relatively limited and does not amount to unwarranted State intrusion on the lives of couples who have chosen not to get married or enter into civil partnership. It will resolve the real injustice which has occurred where a cohabitant is financially dependent on a partner and who until now has had to endure a very unwieldy legal process to get any form of redress.

We support the major elements of the Bill as a stepping stone. In the words of an Iarnród Éireann advertising campaign, we are not there yet but we are getting there. It is an important step which we welcome.