Same-sex couple legislation by spring

SAME-SEX couples could have their relationships officially recognised by the state by next April under new civil partnership legislation.

Justice and Equality Minister Dermot Ahern is bringing the second stage of the Civil Partnership Bill before the Dáil today with the Government confident it will become law by late spring.

The bill contains a civil legislation scheme for same sex couples which would see them receive many of the same entitlements as spouses in a civil marriage.