Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----at least on this occasion he is. As Father of the House, it is fantastic that he is here in such good health, hale and hearty, on a day like today. Senator Zappone has also fought a long battle on this issue, greatly assisted by Senator Bacik. Senator Bacik will testify that over four and a half years we have not agreed on many things, but the odd time we do. The Senators have performed a crucial and important role.

I acknowledge the work of the civil groups in the referendum campaign. I am referring to the work of people like Moninne Griffith at Yes Equality and GLEN, directed by a very good friend of mine, Tiernan Brady, and all the different groups that came together in showing what is possible. There were people who had concerns and those who had different views, but I believe that by passing this Bill into legislation, and when an Uachtarán na hÉireann signs the Bill into law, it will strengthen the institution of marriage. It may give the institution of marriage a shot in the arm. During the debate which ensued over the weeks and months in the lead up to the famous referendum day in May 2015, society said "We accept difference, everyone is equal and everyone should, if they love each other and if they want to make a public statement, be able to marry each other. All of the rights that go with that should be given to all of our citizens equally." I believe that the fairness of the Irish people shone through. People of all ages and all backgrounds were vocal. Those who had never campaigned in previous referendums came out, knocked on doors, spoke to their friends and discussed the issues within families. When one looks back, homosexuality was decriminalised in this country only in 1992. We have come a long way in a relatively short period of time with the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Civil Partnership Act 2010.

It is a great pleasure for me to support this Bill all the way through. I believe the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, is due credit for the way she has spear-headed this legislation. I acknowledge also the former Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, who played a very important role in devising this legislation.Certainly colleagues in my party and our party leader, Deputy Martin, fervently believed in marriage equality. He played his part on behalf of the party in this campaign. More important, outside politics, ordinary men and women across the State played their part and voted for marriage equality. I would like to see our colleagues and fellow citizens in Northern Ireland bring marriage equality into law there also. Those who fear that the institution of marriage is in any way undermined by same-sex marriage will learn from the example of the Republic of Ireland that nothing could be further from the truth and if anything, it will strengthen the institution. I hope that in a very short space of time both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland will affirm same-sex marriage by law. This is a fantastic day in the Seanad. I once again commend all those who were so heavily involved in the campaign, lobbying and educating others and all the politicians of all parties and all civic groups, in particular, my good friend and colleague, Senator Norris.