Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether same sex couples are less likely than opposite sex couples to want to commit to the array of rights and duties consequent on marriage; if so, the evidence by which he has arrived at this conclusion; and, if not, the reason for his view that same sex couples should nonetheless be denied the right to make this commitment which is available to opposite sex couples. [22195/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 392 to 394 of 23 May 2006. My view is that many same-sex couples may not want to commit to an institution which imposes on them all the rights and duties of marriage. I am aware that many opposite-sex couples are equally reluctant to make this commitment.

I also acknowledge that many same-sex couples are seeking full equal status with opposite-sex couples in having the option of marriage extended to them. While I respect that aspiration, my view is that the law must be updated to accord legal recognition to same-sex couples while remaining within constitutional boundaries.

To this end I established the Working Group on Domestic Partnerships to consider the categories of partnerships and relationships outside of marriage, including same-sex couples, to which legal effect and recognition might be afforded consistent with constitutional provisions. I have asked the Working Group to report to me in October following which I intend to bring legislative proposals to Government for consideration.