Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The points made by Senator Rónán Mullen are incorrect. Religious solemnisers have only ever been permitted to solemnise in accordance with their own ceremonies and I addressed his points in my speech. What we are doing will not require any change to any form of ceremony currently approved. He is incorrect in his interpretation of the legislation as it is presented.

The decision of the people on 22 May 2015, as everybody said, was momentous. Their decision means that an important right can now be extended to a new group of people. The people's decision has strengthened the institution of marriage by enabling it to respond to the diversity of our society. Through their decision marriage is, and will now remain, the means by which a couple can make the most profound public commitment to one another. The effect is also momentous for those who will now be able to marry. Same-sex couples will have the possibility, like all other couples, of entering an institution that can last a lifetime and that constitutes life's meaning for many. Marriage equality has become, as Senators said, possible through an uniquely democratic process which stimulated, as has been said, passionate engagement and equally passionate debate. The referendum process enabled Irish people to decide what sort of society they want for the future. The people have realised the truth of James Joyce's statement, "I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today." They knew their decision on 22 May would shape the future for same-sex couples for decades to come. They realised that society would be poorer if same-sex couples were excluded from the institution of marriage. The people have reaffirmed that their vision for Irish society now and into the future is one which values our people in all their diversity.

Let us now - I know that Senators will - take the responsibility as Oireachtas Members to pass the legislation so that we can implement that decisive choice of the people in favour of marriage equality. Again, I thank all Senators for their contributions.