David Norris (Independent)

As the person who raised the question of the Mater hospital and the establishment of an international peer review group some years ago, I very much welcome what has happened in this regard, although I had reservations about the site. It is important that the project proceed straight away. The children cannot wait. In light of the contribution by my distinguished colleague, Senator Sean Barrett, I contend the project will have implications for the metro. As I understand it, the metro is an integral part of the development at the hospital. I am not sure the hospital would work as efficiently as one would wish without development of the metro. It is important that we discuss this problem also. I important that it be an investment in building. The site is on the north side of Dublin and I certainly welcome the project from a human point of view.

I have received correspondence from a former academic colleague who engaged in civil partnership. He did so in the British embassy in Dublin under British law. He communicated with the various authorities, both British and Irish, to ascertain his status and whether it was recognised under the new legislation. He was first told it was, then told it was not and thereafter told something totally different. In his final sentence he describes how having been unpartnered, then partnered and then both on the same day, he feels very close to despair. I understand we will deal with some of the matters consequent on the passage of the civil partnership Bill, particularly the economic conditions. This was a commitment I received from the previous Minister for Finance, the late Brian Lenihan. I am very glad it is coming to the House. Will the Leader inquire whether these other anomalies that exist and disadvantage people who are already in partnerships entered into in other countries or in the embassies of foreign countries in Ireland can be addressed and rectified at the same time?