Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for the Leader but I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, also and the thousands of people who have marched for marriage equality in the past five years.

Obviously, we are not there yet. I am looking forward to a very respectful and robust debate. I believe and hope the Irish people will say "Yes" in 2014 or 2015 to everyone having the human right to marry the person they choose to love. If this referendum goes ahead, perhaps the Seanad could take a special role in this regard. I ask the Leader to consider whether the Seanad Public Consultation Committee might ask for submissions on this issue.