Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the legislation of same-sex civil partnerships or same sex civil marriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9759/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have acknowledged, on behalf of the Government, that the position of same-sex couples before the law, and others in caring relationships, including extending State recognition to civil partnerships between such persons, needs to be addressed. As indicated by the Taoiseach on 24 January 2006 at the launch of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution Report on the Family, I am setting up a working group charged with preparing an options paper on this issue.

The working group will consider the categories of partnerships and relationships outside of marriage, including same-sex couples, to which legal recognition might be afforded, consistent with constitutional provisions. The report of the all-party Oireachtas committee as well as the deliberations of the Law Reform Commission will inform the work of the group. The membership of the working group and a work timetable are being finalised. I expect the working group to report to me in October following which I intend to formulate legislative proposals for consideration by Government.