Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I am on section 4. We have heard a great deal of guff today. While it is great to hear civil partnership mentioned, it has nothing to do with the measure before us. Civil partners have been dragged into the net, as they always have been under the social welfare system. Irrespective of with whom one lived and whether one was married or single, income has always been taken into account. The cuts experienced by carers, old people and those with children cannot be dressed up as some type of pro-gay rights or equality initiative. They are cuts for the must vulnerable people in society.