Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ivana Bacik for the work she has done on the Bill. I thank also Senator Fidelma Healy Eames for the Fine Gael support for the Bill. I thank also Senator Diarmuid Wilson for the support which Fianna Fáil has offered. I understand Senator Norris's concerns and accept the references to the work of the Seanad in this and other areas. I recall that Senators from Trinity College such as Mary Robinson, Senator Norris and others worked together on a number of groundbreaking initiatives which were radical in Ireland for their time. That Senator Norris is here to speak in support of the Bill continues a tradition that has been represented by the Trinity College representation in the House, it is being continued by Senator Bacik. That is a nice historical connection between generations of Trinity College Senators.

Senator Norris referred to gay marriage. That is an issue that I would like to see provided for in the Constitution and in law.

I was one of those who strongly supported the development of civil partnerships. As Senator Ivana Bacik said, the constitutional limitation on gay people getting married is now up for consideration at the constitutional convention. I hope to see this being adopted and made possible in constitutional and legislative terms. Senator David Norris is aware of my views in that regard.

This legislation is a small but significant piece of the mosaic in the development of social and personal freedoms in Ireland, the cornerstone of which is respect. We should respect people from different traditions and backgrounds and their ethical and moral frameworks. We should use the Oireachtas as the appropriate place in which to legislate to reflect all of the different religious, ethical and humanist frameworks in Ireland. This is very important, particularly for young people, because most of those who marry are young. However, nowadays many are marrying at a later age, particularly those entering a second or subsequent marriage. It is important that persons with humanist beliefs should have this opportunity also.

I thank Senators for their expressions of support. The 2011 Bill contained all of the core ideas, on which we have made progress. I thank the staff of the Department of Social Protection and the Office of the Attorney General and the Attorney General herself for taking a detailed interest in the progress of this legislation. Today we are taking the second last step with the debate in the Seanad which will finish before Christmas in the Dáil.

Judging by the numbers of couples who opt for a civil ceremony, the numbers opting for a humanist ceremony are significant. The people concerned wish to have their marriage celebrated in the presence of a humanist solemniser. I welcome this development and believe the measures and sections included in the Bill offer the appropriate structures and safeguards. They require a solemniser to have an appropriate qualification because it is important that a marriage is celebrated in a dignified and lawful way, not just in a happy and joyful way. This sends an important message about two people coming together to pledge themselves to each other, generally in the presence of family and friends. The institution of marriage is at the heart of this legislation, the commitment of two people to set out together. It is only right that we let them begin that journey by recognising their belief system under which they wish to celebrate their marriage.

I again congratulate Senator Ivana Bacik. I also thank the other Senators for their contributions.