Marriage equality Bill passes all stages in Dáil

The legislation paving the way for same-sex marriage has passed all stages in the Dáil and now goes to the Seanad.

The passing of the Marriage Bill 2015 was greeted with loud applause from TDs in the chamber and visitors in the public gallery.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald moved an amendment, which was accepted, removing the requirement for civil partners, who had registered a civil partnership in Ireland, to give three months notice when seeking to marry one another.

“The amendment is to reduce any unnecessary administrative burden on civil partners wishing to marry,’’ she said.

Welcoming the amendment, former minister for justice Alan Shatter said couples who had entered civil partnership had already paid a fee to the celebrant or State.

This was the equivalent of the fee paid when celebrating a marriage in a registry office, he added.

Government backbenchers and Opposition TDs congratulated the Minister on the manner in which she had processed the legislation through the House.