Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach's inability to communicate with his government partners is the reason this legislation is being rushed through the House today. We can find common ground with Senators Feeney and O'Malley in respect of the fact that if the recommendation cannot be accepted, it must be incorporated in the finance (No. 2) Bill. Those in the Green Party deserve great credit and praise for the fact that, in conjunction with other members of the Government, they had the courage to pilot the civil partnership legislation through the Houses. To paraphrase the former Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, it is never too late to do the right thing.