The government has approved the same-sex marriage bill.
The Justice Minister says the Dáil will discuss it next week, and the first same-sex marriages should take place before the end of the year.
Frances Fitzgerald has also confirmed that same-sex marriages from other countries will be legally recognised here, and that religious institutions won't be forced to hold same-sex marriages.
It's also going to be made more affordable to 'upgrade' from a civil parternship to a marriage certificate. The Department of Social Protection is going to reduce the fees from €200 to €50.
The Minister sais she is "delighted to be in a position to publish the Marriage Bill 2015 which will, when enacted, enable same-sex couples to marry in Ireland. It will make Marriage Equality a reality in Ireland.”
“I hope this legislation can be enacted as soon as possible so that the first same-sex marriages can take place before the end of the year", added Frances Fitzgerald.
