Gay groups welcome civil union move

GAY RIGHTS campaigners have warmly welcomed an announcement by the Minister for Justice that a working group is to be established to examine the introduction of civil unions for gay and cohabiting couples.

It is understood that the working group, largely composed of public servants, will deliver a written options paper as early as next March.

The group will look at the various types of partnership that could be developed by the Government if it is to extend property, gift tax, social welfare, inheritance and next-of-kin rights to gay and cohabiting couples.