Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

These amendments go to the heart of a very important issue and also challenge us in many ways. They are a test for the depth of our Christianity and our republican ethos. That is my firm belief. I gave my views with regard to guardianship which may have surprised Senator Norris. These issues need to be looked at and teased out thoroughly and objectively because they are complicated.

Senator Norris said that although the Minister may take the view that he must discriminate between marital status and civil partnership status, he should not discriminate between children.