Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

Those who are in same-sex unions were once children. We all went through the same experience. As a father, the best thing one can ask for any child is to ensure they are being brought up in a loving relationship. I commend Senator Norris, with the help of outside support, on crafting these amendments, in particular amendment No. 37 which goes further than dealing with same-sex unions in that it also deals with the issue of step-parents. I look forward to the Minister's response to it.

I have spoken previously on civil partnership, same-sex unions and same-sex marriage. My position and that of my party on this area is very clear. This Bill falls short in a number of areas. It definitely falls short in regard to the rights of the child. The amendments discussed earlier and particularly these amendments, if accepted, would go a long way towards making this legislation more worthy of our support.

It is great to be in this House today as a republican because the Seanad is clearly republican. Everyone has outlined how republican they are but, unfortunately, perhaps some of them are talking about American style republicanism instead of Irish republicanism. We talk about cherishing the children of the nation equally. These amendments deal with that principle. They give rights to those in same-sex families, to the partners in a civil union, but it does take away rights from the biological parents. The issue of the rights of fathers in particular has been mentioned, which needs to be addressed.

I would like the Minister to deal with a number of points. Senator Bacik raised the point of conferring rights on others that do not supersede the rights of the family. My second point is if these amendments are not accepted, when can we expect legislation to be introduced to deal with the complex issues that have been raised by members of the Opposition? I am not asking the Minister to give a date or month but to indicate a reasonable timeframe. I am sure that Members of the Government parties would like to see these amendments, or some of them at least, in some way, shape or form, encompassed into legislation that would give rights to children and to those who are in same-sex unions.