Updated 9.48am

THE CABINET WILL meet this morning to consider a referendum on same-sex marriage with one minister saying that a vote will be held “when it’s practicable”.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin said this morning that it is probably the view of the “majority of Cabinet” that a referendum should be held on foot of the recommendation from the Constitutional Convention earlier this year.

He noted that there are issues of timing but said that advice will be given to Cabinet on that issue this morning with Justice Minister Alan Shatter to bring a memo before his colleagues.

“All of these issues are challenging, but we’ve come a long way in this country,” he said, noting that civil partnerships legislation was passed through second stage of the Dáil without a vote.

A short time later, the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said he hoped that a referendum would be held in the lifetime of this government, describing it as “an important issue”:

Videos: Nicky Ryan at Government Buildings

First published 8.43am

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