Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. However, Members must make a statement about the role of the Seanad and must revert to the position they always have held and which the Leader has confirmed on so many occasions, that is, that legislation is dealt with fully, absolutely and totally in this House. Furthermore, Members should not practice the politics of the guillotine. Unfortunately, I was not in a position last Wednesday to be present in this House for the initial Second Stage debate on the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009. However, in my preamble to the legislation some weeks ago, I expressed the hope that this House-----