Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is great to coalesce on important and significant issues like this. There is no doubt that 22 May last was a truly unique day in Irish society. It was incredible the following day to see front pages of every newspaper in the world proclaiming the history that had been made by the Irish people. Ordinary men and women of this country, through secret ballots, expressed their view in their hundreds of thousands that they believed in the fundamental right of equality so that gay and lesbian people would have exactly the same rights as every other citizen. I commend the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, who played a leading role in the campaign, along with many others, not just in the political sphere but also in the "Yes Equality" campaign and so forth. It is important, however, to identify the political leadership shown by people such as the Minister, Deputy Martin and Senator Norris, in particular. I could not but agree with everything Senator Darragh O’Brien has said about the father of the House. I remember when I was growing up in west Clare following Senator Norris's colourful career, and a colourful character he is. It is fantastic to see him here when Seanad Éireann is passing this extremely important legislation. Fine Gael salutes everything Senator Norris has achieved. In the 1980s it was not popular, it was a criminal act. People such as Senator Norris initiated the journey that has brought us to where we are today.

This is complex legislation that must cover all sorts of anomalies and ensure there are no lacunae or loopholes. That takes serious and careful consideration. I commend the Minister, her officials, the Attorney General and all the other people who played such a vital role in getting this legislation over the line in four months. For some other referenda, it has taken years to enact the legislation. Senator Norris might correct when I say there was a referendum about the university Senators in 1979 and it has not been enacted.