I have a comment to make and a question for the Leader, but I do not know if it might be somewhat pre-emptive. I am sitting here waiting for an official announcement from the Cabinet that we will have a referendum on marriage equality. I acknowledge the comments by Senator Ivana Bacik and I am delighted to hear her optimism which I share. Should that come - I believe the announcement may be made in the next few minutes - I would welcome it wholeheartedly. I suppose I could wait a few more minutes; we have been waiting a long time have we not, Senator Norris? I acknowledge the Senator's leadership, the support of Senator Ivana Bacik and all the Members who supported the proposal up to this point.

Yes, but it will be long-fingered.

I have a question for the Leader, but I want to acknowledge the leadership of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, also and the thousands of people who have marched for marriage equality in the past five years.

Obviously, we are not there yet. I am looking forward to a very respectful and robust debate. I believe and hope the Irish people will say "Yes" in 2014 or 2015 to everyone having the human right to marry the person they choose to love. If this referendum goes ahead, perhaps the Seanad could take a special role in this regard. I ask the Leader to consider whether the Seanad Public Consultation Committee might ask for submissions on this issue.

The Bill providing for the referendum should be introduced in this House.