Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will not make a Second Stage speech, as we have done so on numerous occasions. We have spoken on the Bill at length. I add my voice to the welcome for Dr. Foy, among others, in the Visitors' Gallery. I have made new friends over the past year while working on the Bill. In particular, I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, who worked closely with me on a number of items, the Tánaiste, Deputy Joan Burton, and the officials. I want to say this now in case we do not have time at the end.

This is the most progressive legislation I have worked on since I came to the Seanad. It is great to see that sometimes the minority benefits from legislation. I can see by the smiles of some of the people in the Gallery that they are happy with this. Of course it is not perfect, and of course people would like to see other provisions in the Bill. I am very disappointed that we cannot deal with forced divorce today, which is something on which I worked. It is out of our hands and is now in the courts. I only hope and pray that it will not take two and a half years in the courts as the case concerning the legislation on children did.