Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minster and the members of the humanist community in the Visitors Gallery . It is a case of déjà vu because we have been here before.

I too was as DCU this afternoon to listen to the former Senator Hillary Clinton. The comment that challenged me was when she said: "Let your value set guide you." I think that is what we are doing here today. As the Minister said by endorsing the Bill, which I do on behalf of the Fine Gael Party and I compliment Senator Bacik on presenting a similar Bill to the House in the first instance, we are embracing diversity. Clearly the people want to embrace diversity. Things have changed immensely in the space of 15 years, and this is borne out by statistics. In 1996, 6% of marriages were other than Catholic marriages, now the CSO has found in its last survey more people are looking for non-religious marriages than religious ceremonies. To each his own. It is time we embraced that diversity.

I am impressed by the driving philosophy of the Humanist Association of Ireland. As I understand it, humanism has a concern for humanity based on reason and compassion. I would like to think I have some of those qualities. Perhaps there is common ground between persons of faiths and those of none.

I do not wish to repeat the points made by the Minister or Senator Wilson because I endorse the Bill.

The Office of the Attorney General did well to spot that it would be better to correct Senator Bacik's Bill so that the solemnisation of marriage is lawful. I give this Bill my blessing. Go forth and multiply. The Humanist Association of Ireland has much time to make up.

A wide range of groups can conduct marriages and it is time that the Humanist Association of Ireland was added, as it has worked hard to achieve this. I know it will exercise judgment in the selection, training and accreditation of members who will be solemnisers of marriages. I understand they have officiated at 153 non-legally binding marriages in 2011 and almost 200 in 2012. I presume the Humanist Association of Ireland will call them back for a second day to confer legal marriage. This is a good new story.

I say "Well done" to the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton, and Senator Bacik.