David Norris (Independent)

In that case, I very much welcome what the Minister and all my colleagues have said on this issue. I would like to point out, however, that were this to be capable of being passed, it would have had exactly the effect that I wanted, but it might be a step too far, it might be impossible to sell to the Dáil. I hope very much this Bill will go from here to the Dáil and be passed there as well. Having been accused first of all in my early days of being a revolutionary and then of being of a reformist, gradualist and a toady, I understand how important it is sometimes in politics to be pragmatic. I appreciate that if I was to push this and be obstreperous about it, that might impede a Bill which represents significant development in Irish society. Therefore, I will be supporting it. I will support the other amendments Senator Bacik tabled and if they are put to a vote I will come and vote in favour of them. I have to do an interview about one of the Ireland's great women, about whom a book is being written, the late Lily Huban, who was my music teacher and a pupil of a pupil of Frédéric Chopin, and a donator of a prize to the feis. Therefore, I will not be in a position to take part in the debate but should votes be called, I will vote with Senator Bacik on the Bill. I will withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.