Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom cúpla focal a rá ar an lá stairiúil seo agus ar an mBille stairiúl seo. Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Aire agus le gach éinne a ghlac agus atá ag glacadh páirt sa díospóireacht. I wish to add my voice on this very historic and welcome day, the day of the passage of this Bill through the House. I must refer to all the people in the Visitors' Gallery, in particular. Some 30 or 40 years ago, Senator David Norris was on his own in this regard and his was a lonely voice. Without the people in the Visitors' Gallery and the people power on the ground, we do not know whether we would be here today discussing this Bill, although the Minister fully intended it.

Very often, what the Government wants does not always go through. We have seen what can be done here as a consequence of people power on the ground. The passage of the Bill, along with people power, gives a clear mandate based on the referendum. It is now stated clearly that all people in this State, including LGBT girls and boys, are equal. People no longer have to worry and look at the ground denying they are gay, and they are no longer afraid to admit it. That day is gone and the law has caught up with the culture of the people, as reflected very clearly in the referendum. I am so proud to be here in the Seanad today to add my voice on the change of culture. The change has happened fast in Ireland. The Minister must be congratulated today. It is a bright day, including for the Minister. I welcome the Bill and offer heartiest congratulations to the Minister on a job well done. I offer sincere congratulations to the people on the ground, the Yes Equality campaigners and the LGBT movement, whose members led this campaign, including the referendum campaign.