Taoiseach: Marriage Equality Referendum has nothing to do with children or religion

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that he is confident the Marriage Equality Referendum will be passed.

His comments come after a number of bishops spoke out against the proposed change to the Constitution at the weekend.

Mr Kenny said the Catholic church is entitled to make its case - but said that the vote on May 22 is not about the church, it is about civil law.

Speaking to Midwest Radio in Co Mayo, he said people are being asked one question in the referendum.

"Are you prepared to give your authorisation to extend the right of marriage in our Constitution to people who cannot get married at the moment - that is two men and two women - so it's nothing to do with the children, nothing to do with the religious ceremonies, nothing to do with the teaching of any of the churches," he said.

"These are separate matters.

"This is a very direct question that can only be answered by the people - and I hope that they will give a very strong Yes."