We live in a democracy and should fully respect the wishes of the people to vote in accordance with their consciences and in a confidential manner at polling stations, as is their right.

I regret very much the decision by Senator Averil Power to leave the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, where she played an important role, and she will continue to play an important role in this House. She is an enlightened Senator who brought good legislation through the House and I wish her well in her continued work in this House and whatever she decides to do politically or otherwise because she is a breath of fresh air in politics.

On the referendum that was passed, I compliment and wish well Senator Katherine Zappone, as well as Senator David Norris who was at the forefront of this issue. However, I must point out that Fianna Fáil, through Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, brought forward the decriminalisation of homosexual acts, not homosexuality, which was not a criminal offence in Ireland. Furthermore, we brought-----

One cannot separate the two.

I would not have any knowledge of that issue. Civil partnership was introduced five years ago by a Fianna Fáil Government and without civil partnership there would not have been this success for individuals last Friday.

Would it have happened without the Green Party?

I am sorry-----

Without the Green Party.

Senator Terry Leyden to continue, without interruption.