Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are a number of ways of doing it. When the Bill progresses further we may look at that. Even if there are more than a handful of couples, and I really do not think there will be, I do not believe that would be a reason to deny what is an important equality right.I see this Bill as a legacy Bill. It deals with a legacy of discrimination against gay couples and gay people. It is an important way of clearing up an anomaly in pension law that exists now despite the fact we passed the referendum in 2015 with such a strong majority. Despite the fact we now have equality for same-sex couples, we still have a legacy of discrimination that is based on archaic age restriction clauses in some occupational pension schemes. This Bill simply seeks to address that tiny but important anomaly. As I said, this Bill is based on an important equality principle. I urge Members to support the legislation. I thank colleagues who have indicated that they will support the legislation on a cross-party basis.