Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

It relates specifically to a concerns which has motivated us in tabling the amendments before us and show why we feel so strongly about the issue. We are concerned about the implications of removing the phrase "marital status" in the Acts mentioned, particularly the Equal Status Act. I have not received clarification in that respect. My second point relates to the importance of marriage and the signal being sent to society in that regard. These beliefs are genuinely held. We did not table the amendments lightly.