David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I commend Senator Bacik on this Bill and it shows again the usefulness of this House that we can bring forward Bills which are given Government support. I thank the Minister and the Government for supporting the Bill. I understand that most of the amendments which have been tabled have actually come from the Government and from Senator Bacik and that they are technical amendments. My party will support these amendments.

As regards this amendment from Senators Norris and Zappone, I agree with the sentiment behind the amendment, as does Senator Bacik. This is an issue we should examine at another opportunity. I note there are unresolved issues related to civil partnerships which we need to consider. My party fully supports the view that we need to have absolute equality for everybody in this country on all these issues. I hope we can be given a commitment from the Government to revisit this issue. I reiterate my party's full support for the Bill before us and we will not oppose any amendments.