James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I mention my colleagues in the Labour Party who also pushed for it.

As Senator Martin Conway said, it is one thing to change a law but another thing to change people's minds, hearts and attitudes. If we needed evidence of that change, the marriage equality referendum was evidence of that. I also agree with Senator Conway that much else remains to be done on equality in this country.

I support fully the need to apologise to those who suffered as a consequence of this law and there is no question of anything but exoneration. A heartfelt apology goes from all of us here to those people and their families who suffered so much because of a law that showed no understanding of people and reality.

I offer my congratulations to those who fought so hard, and to those I mentioned, for their stand, their courage and their bravery in bringing this country to a new place. I mention Mr. Chris Robinson.