Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Regretfully, I disagree with thee amendments. However, I would like to join Senator Norris in commending Mr. John Waters for his excellent work in drawing attention to the rights of non-married fathers. He has done public debate a great service in his writings on this and other issues. Senator Norris has raised the issue in the context of the recent decision in the case of Schalk and Kopf v. Austria. It is true there was some recognition in that case of the family status involved. The case is probably more notable for the fact that it was found that under the European Convention on Human Rights, there was no obligation on member states to legislate for same-sex marriage, nor was there an obligation on them to legislate for same-sex partnerships. It has to be said any references to the European Convention on Human Rights or decisions of the European Court of Human Rights should also recall that we have incorporated the convention at sub-constitutional level. Therefore, everything here is subject to the over-riding requirements of the Constitution.