Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The referendum result last weekend sends out a powerful signal that our country has changed and utterly so. It is time now for healing and reconciliation. There should be no scapegoats. Most people on both sides acted out of compassion. They listened to the stories of the experiences of men and women over the past 35 years. While the result is very welcome - I voted "Yes" - the euphoria has been a little too much. Something similar happens on occasion in this Chamber when people seem to find easy targets such as An Garda Síochána, the Catholic Church, etc. Now is the time for healing and reconciliation. Most of the people on the two sides acted out compassion. They felt that they were doing what was right. As I said, the euphoria has been a little too much and we now need a little healing and reconciliation. We are beginning to trust women. People now need to trust politicians because they will have to make many decisions on this issue in the coming months.

I thank the Labour Party, which over the past 35 years, has been to the fore on issues such as same-sex marriage and repeal of the eighth amendment. I compliment Senator Ivana Bacik, Deputy Clare Daly and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, who when it came to forming a government, made this a red line issue. Fair play to the Minister, who, as somebody new to politics, succeed in having this matter included in the programme for Government. There are politicians who have been in government for many years and who have been unable to get other issues included in a programme for Government. What was achieved by the Minister should be acknowledged.

There is much talk about one Ireland. The referendum result signals to our unionist friends in the North that this is no longer a Roman Catholic state but, rather, an open, pluralist, caring, secular society.