Rónán Mullen (Independent)

We have had this debate in the context of the divorce regime. We went to considerable trouble to define in what circumstances our Constitution and our laws would permit the dissolution of a marriage. We have had debates about the impact of change in European law on our ability to maintain coherence in our marriage laws. I would certainly disagree with that.

Amendment No. 9 seems to be the civil partnership equivalent of what would be called baptism by desire. It would not add to the clarity, coherence or the intrinsic fairness of our laws.