Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister clarified the position, but I cannot recall hearing it. On the point Senator Mullen has made with regard to the declaration, I note that under this particular section, it states "a husband, a wife or a spouse, as the case may be." Can the Minister put on record that it is entirely within the discretion of and acceptable for any religion to decide to opt for the language of husband or wife, excluding any reference to spouse? Can she put on record that this is the intention of the legislation and there is no attempt to introduce gender-neutral phrases into what is not a gender-neutral situation?