David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I would have no problem accepting this if rephrased by Senator Healy Eames to take into account the views of the mother. Of course they should be taken into account. That is perfectly obvious, so I have no problem with that.

On the question of mothers, fathers and parents, after the passage of this Bill a gay couple or cohabiting couple will be the parents of the child legally. That is that dealt with. All the recent international examinations and scientific studies of parenting demonstrate one point very clearly, namely, that it is the quality of the relationship, not the gender or people involved, that affects the welfare and well-being of the child. I will not refer to all the studies, but I can if Members want.

The gentleman who was referred to, whom I will not name, stated on the wireless the other day that he had been mischievously misquoted. The person who uttered the words should be the person to define what he meant by them. For another person to stand up and impertinently state, "Well, he meant this and I know because I am me-----