Anthony Lawlor (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like many other speakers I welcome Saturday's result. There was good political leadership shown and there was also great leadership shown in civic society. That really stood out. The great referendums that have been passed - this one and the vote on same-sex marriage - have been led by civic society. As politicians we should take a lesson from that.

I am also mindful that on Friday the public gave us major responsibility. We must bring forward the legislation. Beware the public, because if we do not bring in robust and strong legislation, we will be blamed. We must ensure the legislation we introduce satisfies all the courts that will see challenges in future.The quality of the legislation we introduce is our responsibility. I am not in favour of rushing through legislation such as this because rushed legislation in the past has led to problems. This needs to be scrutinised both in the Dáil and in this Chamber.

I have one request for the Minister and those who are drafting the Bill. Not to go against my legal colleagues in the Seanad, but the drafting of a Bill is usually done by legal personnel and it is for the legal profession. Many of us here are simple, honest folk. Can the Bill be drafted in a language that all of us can understand-----