John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Mullen that there was not unanimity in this House on the civil partnership Bill and that some of us voted against it.

In the event of allowing the tax breaks suggested, what would be the cost to the Exchequer?

Those of us who voted against the civil partnership Bill found ourselves at the receiving end of vile comments. I understood then how some gay people must feel when they too find themselves at the receiving end of such comments. It was an interesting experience. Unfortunately, there are extremists on every side.