Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 127: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the Government's promised legislation on same-sex unions will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8983/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 184: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the heads of the Civil Partnership Bill will be produced; and if the Bill will contain provisions for gay civil marriage. [9001/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 184 together.

The Scheme of a Civil Partnership Bill, containing detailed proposals, is being developed in my Department for submission to Government by the end of March 2008.

The scope of the Bill as proposed does not extend to provision for the marriage of same-sex couples.

The Government Legislative Programme includes the Bill as providing for a system of civil registration of same-sex partnerships and for the legal consequences of registration. It also provides certain protections for both opposite-sex and same-sex cohabitants.