Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Although I had not intended to speak on this Bill, it is significant legislation. It is extremely important and while I have absolute respect for Seanadóir Mullen and agree with many of his sentiments, I do not agree with him in respect of the civil partnership legislation, which I believe to have been necessary. I agree with him on his issues regarding equality and the definition thereof. This morning, I spoke on the Order of Business on the subject of political equality. While political equality is the point at which it must start, it must percolate through society and particularly in legislation. Legislation must reflect equality in every sense of the word. The lack of recognition of a scenario in which an elderly brother was caring for an elderly sister is just as much a scandal as the lack of recognition of the rights of a cohabiting same-sex couple. Senator Bradford spoke earlier of the need for a debate and I understand that statements on A Vision for Change have been scheduled for tomorrow, at which time opportunities to so do might arise.