Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

That perception must be nailed on the head. The Minister has an obligation to end the growing apartheid that exists in communities in Ireland. Not a day goes by that I do not hear this, whether while canvassing, at my clinic or when I meet people. We are building a new Ireland where all people are equal and where all people are included, be they black, white, Jew, Asian, Irish, Polish, Lithuanian or African and be they from the four corners of the world. I want to prevent a growing divide between people of different orientations. That should not be way. We all live in Irish communities. I hope the Minister will address that concern because we need to guard against such a divide. There is an undercurrent of tension that is becoming volatile and vocal and I am genuinely concerned such an undercurrent will explode.

I very much welcome the provision in sections 15 and 16 of measures to commence sections of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act. The legislation providing for that was the best legislation enacted in the Oireachtas in this calendar year. It recognises same sex couples who have opted, as the Minister said, to register their civil partnership. It is important we recognise that. I listened to what Senator Mullen said about this and I heard his drum beat. That legislation was progressive and it is to be welcomed.