Katherine Zappone (Independent)

I thank the Minister for his comments and his declaration of intent. I will be delighted to do as he suggests. I appreciate his comment that this is already in the law. Perhaps I misunderstood. What is already in law is that it is applied at the time of dissolution. My understanding was that the amendments the Minister accepted that are currently in the Bill provide that the civil partners could access the relief at the time of a breakdown of a relationship where there is some type of legally enforceable agreement in place. I was arguing for that in the context of this type of relief as well. The Minister says it is there, but dissolution for civil partners usually involves a two year waiting period. That said, I am happy to meet with the officials and I appreciate the Minister's comments.