Senator Bacik Condemns Decision on Iran, and Welcomes Civil Partnership Law
Order of Business
Senator Ivana Bacik: We all support Senator Mooney’s call for a cross-party motion condemning that decision in
I join with others in welcoming this historic day when we see civil partnership law coming before the House and likely to be voted in today or tomorrow. It will certainly make a welcome advance in the rights of gay couples. It does not go far enough for me, for the Labour Party or for Senator Norris, because it does not provide true equality as it does not provide for the recognition of gay marriage. It certainly is a welcome step, even though there is a major omission with the lack of recognition for the children of gay families. However, it marks an important advance in the rights of gay people and we welcome that.
I am surprised at the decision of Senator Ross to back the motion by Senator Mullen. It is an utterly inappropriate motion and is not a matter for the Cathaoirleach or the Seanad as to how people vote. As someone who has moved from the independent bench to a party bench, I know a little bit about this. It is a matter for the individual and his or her party—–
Senator Rónán Mullen: There is a lot of credibility in free voting.
Senator Ivana Bacik: —–as to how the individual votes on any motion or legislation. It is not a matter for the Seanad and this motion is utterly inappropriate.
Senator Frances Fitzgerald: The decision is taken after democratic discussion in our own parties.
Senator Ivana Bacik: I second what Senator Alex White said about it. It is not a motion that should be put to this House. The opportunity is there for anybody to vote against the party Whip. They can take it up with their party or they can join Senator Ross and others on the Independent benches if they feel very strongly.
I would like to ask the Leader for a debate on credit unions. A Bill was passed last night on reform of the Central Bank, but the credit union movement made some important representations to us about that. We might have a very useful debate in the next term on the particular role of the credit unions in extending credit in a prudent way to those who have not been able to obtain it. The credit unions played a vital role in the past and will continue to do so.