Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Power for tabling the Bill before us this afternoon. Certainly it raises a challenge for all of us. I did not come here with a prepared script or defined views but I listened with interest to the speakers. Senator Power's challenge to us is high and demanding and the bar has been raised by the very interesting questions and concerns raised by Senator Zappone. The initial responses of the two Ministers present, and I acknowledge the unusual political situation we have this afternoon, were considered, fair and balanced. The word "balanced" must be at the heart of our response to the Bill and our more long-term response to the legislative situation which has been outlined.

All of us claim to live in a modern republic. We must also aspire to live in a moderate republic where respect and generosity are at the core of all we do by way of law and politics. In responding to what Senator Power has proposed, we must try to keep this balance to the fore. A sentence from the response of the Minister, Deputy Quinn, sums up the situation. He stated there are no easy answers to this dilemma nor should there be and reconciling the rights of people where they interact with each other is often complex and requires a high degree of creativity, foresight, wisdom and judgment.

It is also a challenge for us to get involved in the debate to bring about a fair, balanced and just solution. As has been outlined, people who operate religious-run institutions have a particular view of society and under the Constitution have particular entitlements to practice in a certain fashion. However, those who live outside this scope must also be respected and constitutionally protected. I would like to come up with a simple solution but I cannot do so. However, I look forward to engaging in the debate. If we keep generosity, fairness and respect at the core of what we do politically, we will resolve this issue.

Senator Zappone raised questions beyond the confines of the Bill but which are equally valid and from which we cannot run. Perhaps if she was not here this afternoon it would be easier for us to respond to what Senator Power stated but Senator Zappone's comments are very pertinent and very much part of the ongoing debate and they cannot be ignored or brushed aside. It has probably been the tradition of Irish politics that we generally try to kick matters to touch and brush them under the carpet but we cannot continue to do so.

While I am thankful to Senator Power for the presentation of her views and the Bill, the Ministers are outlining a response which will allow all of us to work with her to bring about a solution based on fairness. I would not like to see the House divide on this issue this afternoon. Yesterday, when we debated education we saw the Seanad at its best where genuine fair debate can bring about the type of changes and solutions we require. I ask the Senator to bear with us for a few crucial months and work with us and we will get it right.