Govt reiterates commitment to same-sex partnerships

The Government has reiterated its commitment to introducing legislation allowing for same-sex civil partnerships.

Junior Minister Sean Power said today that, with support from opposition, the law could be introduced by early next summer.

He was speaking at a symposium on gay marriage and partnership rights in Dublin this morning.

A bill outlines the objectives of the proposed legislation is expected to be published next March.

Mr Power told today's meeting that the Government was keen to have the law passed as quickly as possible and he did not foresee any resistance from the opposition.