Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Averil Power suggested we amend the Order of Business in regard to non-Government motion No. 8 on the Order Paper. I do not propose to accept the amendment. The Senator called for a debate on same sex marriage. As this issue will be dealt with in the constitutional convention, let us see what happens as a result. I am sure we will be having debates on the constitutional convention and its findings when it reports.

On Senator Mark MacSharry's point, I am sure we will have a healthy debate today on the Access to Cancer Treatment Bill. I note Senator Catherine Noone's comments on beauty pageants for children which I certainly would not encourage.