Commission seeks laws to recognises cohabitating couples

The Law Reform Commission has proposed changes to property rights, taxation, healthcare and social welfare in order to give cohabiting couple more financial security and protection under the law.

Among these recommendations is a proposal that cohabiting couples be entitled to tax breaks on property they inherit from their partner.

The commission has also recommended that cohabiting couples be entitled to access the courts to arbitrate on property and maintenance issues if their relationship ends.

The Law Reform Commission said such changes were necessary because, at present, there was very little legislation to protect unmarried couples in heterosexual relationships and even less to protect couples in same-sex relationships.