Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I will switch it off.

I recall the words of Fidel Castro, not that I am a supporter. He stated he did not have a liberal bone in his body but that he believed in justice. I do not know how true this is but he said it. I also believe in justice and I hope people would not be discriminated against when going for a job or in employment on the basis of gender or civic status. I recall when I went for a job in a religious school 30 years ago and I was before the Sanhedrin of three brave priests who asked me whether I thought someone with no religion could teach religion in schools. I was going for the principalship and I knew it was the defining question. I stated such a person could do so and I got the job. My friend who also went for the job answered "No" to that question and stated he knew from the body language that he was gone. Even 30 years ago people could make judgments based on one's ability to do the job. We must move forward and ensure it is on a more steady basis.

This brings me to a point made by the Minister for Justice and Equality. He wants us to be a little careful because the Bill touches on issues of profound constitutional sensitivity and importance. I do not think the Minister would say this lightly.

To judge from the fact he is in support of the spirit of the Bill, the Minister wants Members to hasten slowly. He wants them to take their time and come up with a long-term solution to this issue and I ask Senator Power to hold this Bill,based on the fact it is her Bill. Moreover, if I understood the Minister correctly, I am delighted to learn it will continue to be so. As I told her the other day, my main concern was that it would continue to be her Bill, because she deserves to bring it through the Seanad. I hope to be able to offer my full support to the Bill, with amendments. Finally, I note the phrase "early in the new year" is somewhat akin to Samuel Beckett's book, Malone Dies. I seek a specific date in this regard.