The first same sex marriages in Ireland could take place as soon as August, earlier than originally thought.
The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said she is conscious that people want to marry as soon as possible and she is working to make that happen.
Fitzgerald promised that the necessary legislation will be enacted by the end of July.
However, she is to allow the 90-day notification of intent of a civil partnership to be converted to a notification of marriage.
This means anyone planning a civil partnership from August can instead get married.
“My intention is to seek Government approval for the Marriage Bill 2015 in June with the aim of introducing the Bill into the Oireachtas immediately thereafter so that the legislation can be enacted before the summer recess,” said Minster Fitzgerald.