Ministers to discuss same-sex marriage today
Ministers will discuss the same-sex marriage referendum at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.
It is not clear if the Government will decide to set a day for the vote - but an April ballot is thought to be the favoured option.
More recommendations from the Constitutional Convention will also be on the agenda - including lowering the minimum age for voting and for nomination as a presidential candidate.
Recent opinion polls show that as many as seven out of 10 members of the public are in favour of introducing same sex marriage - and the Cabinet could use its last meeting before the Christmas break to set April aside for the much-anticipated referendum.
It is understood that that Ministers will discuss whether or not to hold it as a stand-alone vote - or run it alongside the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election and other outstanding referendums.
The Constitutional Convention also recommended votes on the offence of blasphemy, lowering the voting age to 16 - and reducing the minimum age of presidential candidates to 21 to public votes - and Ministers are also expected to discuss those issues this morning.
Minister Brendan Howlin later said that his colleagues will consider the date, and that the public needs to have time to consider their position.
"I think we need to have sufficient time for people to debate important issues, the Constitution is something that is very precious to the Irish people - and I think that we'll give careful consideration to all these matters," he added.
