Civil Partnership Bill passes Committee stage

Legislation to give same-sex couples similar rights to married couples is moving closer to enactment after it passed Committee stage in the Dáil last night.

It provides a comprehensive set of protections and rights for same-sex couples in areas including home ownership, pensions, maintenance, next of kin and inheritance.

However, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network says it remains concerned at the lack of provisions for children of same-sex couples.

This is to be addressed by the Law Reform Commission under the new Programme for Government.