The Seanad has this evening passed a stage of the Civil Partnership Bill without a vote.

A proposal to allow a free vote on the Civil Partnerships Bill in the Seanad has been defeated by 44 votes to six today.

Fianna Fáil’s Pat Moylan was today formally elected unopposed as Cathaoirleach of the new Seanad.

The new Seanad will meet for the first time today to formally appoint a cathaoirleach and leas-cathaoirleach.