Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There have been recent discussions on this matter which do not just follow on from the Attorney General's request for further clarification from the Department. There have been other legislative developments, led by the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection which will I hope have a positive impact in this area in dealing with some of the concerns that have been raised. Most importantly, there must be continued engagement with civil society groups on the issues faced by same-sex couples to try to address some of the outstanding issues raised by the Senator. I am happy to engage with my colleagues and, on a personal level, with the Senator to progress them further.