I am conscious that it is a momentous day shortly after the result in the marriage equality referendum, to which most colleagues referred and in almost all cases they welcomed the result. It was very moving to listen to their comments and strong expressions of welcome for the resounding majority of 62% in favour of marriage equality. It was a magnificent result and, as many have said, reflects the immense social change that has already occurred. It reflects a common humanity, inclusivity, positivity and joy in Irish society. In particular, I commend Senators David Norris and Katherine Zappone for their immense work and contributions to the change that has come about. The referendum result marks the end of an incredible journey. For many of us who were involved in the campaign for marriage equality going back more than ten years, as Senator Katherine Zappone said, the journey has been remarkable. I also pay tribute to my own party, the Labour Party, on championing the cause when it was not popular.

Absolutely.

I commend Deputy Eamon Gilmore, our former party leader, who personally championed the issue of marriage equality and described it as the civil liberties issue of this generation. He has been vindicated. I also commend the Constitutional Convention which, through its 79% majority vote in support of marriage equality, placed the referendum very firmly on the Government's agenda. We then saw the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and all of the political parties, with the Government, championing the cause of marriage equality. I pay tribute to all those who campaigned and canvassed so hard, particularly civil society groups such as the Yes Equality coalition. This coalition galvanised huge numbers of young and older people to canvass. I was canvassing with them and the Labour Party across Dublin Bay south. It was incredible to see the immense numbers who had come out. Tribute should be paid to Ms Gráinne Healy, Mr. Brian Sheehan and all those who led the Yes Equality grouping from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, GLEN, Marriage Equality to the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. Others have mentioned Home to Vote, which was a very moving, last-minute campaign. I had a friend who flew home from the Middle East for 24 hours to vote.

Colleagues have talked about the national conversation and the personal stories that contributed to the incredible majority support in favour of marriage equality. I thank the many colleagues who spoke so eloquently about the result. What a great celebration we had all weekend at the RDS and in Dublin Castle, as well as in other venues in Dublin and all around Ireland. The result was echoed across the country in every constituency, except one. Senator Darragh O'Brien welcomed the result of the referendum and pointed out that it was an historic day.

He also referred to the small break-up in Fianna Fáil that perhaps might have tarnished things somewhat for the party. That is obviously a matter for Fianna Fáil. I personally commend Senator Averil Power for all the great work she has done in the Seanad, as Senator Darragh O'Brien did. She has made a very important contribution on many issues in the Seanad for many years and I am sure she will continue to do so as an Independent. For many of us, how she stuck with it for so long is a mystery, but that is the only comment I want to make on what is an internal matter for Fianna Fáil.

I was going to say there were application forms available but perhaps not.

Senator Darragh O'Brien asked a specific question about when we were likely to see the marriage Bill. A draft Bill has been published on the Taoiseach's Department's website and the Minister for Justice and Equality has announced that she will have the Bill enacted by the end of July to enable same-sex couples to get married. She intends to seek Government approval for the final draft of the Bill in June and the aim is to introduce it in the Oireachtas immediately thereafter in order that it can be enacted before the end of this term in July. It will include a provision to enable couples to convert a notification of intention to enter a civil partnership into a notification of intention to enter a marriage. Clearly, that will make things more efficient and speed things up for couples who have already registered their intention to enter a civil partnership, which is very welcome. I know that we will have a full debate on the Bill in the House.

Senator Darragh O'Brien also welcomed the new Deputy for Carlow-Kilkenny, Deputy Bobby Aylward. We all join in wishing him the very best. I also commend Councillor Willie Quinn, the Labour Party candidate in Carlow-Kilkenny.

Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the Aer Lingus bid. I understand the Cabinet is to reconvene after 6 p.m. today to consider IAG's offer. There are reports that the offer represents a significant improvement on what was offered before. I understand the Cabinet has adjourned until after 6 p.m., given the volume of detailed information involved. The Government's underlying position remains unchanged. The shareholding will not be sold, unless market conditions are favourable and key concerns are addressed on a number of issues. I have certainly made my own view clear that I do not agree with the sale of 25%-----

It would be a very big Labour Party concession, would it not?