Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has today re-opened the refurbished Outhouse community centre for Dublin's gay community.
The centre is in a Georgian building at 105 Capel Street and now includes a cafe and office space for groups focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) issues.
Speaking shortly after 3pm Mr Ahern said that his Government is intent on offering greater support for same sex couples and that legislation for civil partnerships is imminent.
"I am delighted to be here today in Capel Street to officially open the premises of Outhouse," said Mr Ahern. "I would like to thank the Board of Outhouse for their kind invitation to unveil the newly-restored façade and mark an important milestone in the refurbishment of this Georgian building.
"This Government is committed to full equality of opportunity for all in our society. Our Programme for Government reflects this. In particular, we are committed to providing a more supportive and secure legal environment for same-sex couples.
"Taking into account the Options Paper prepared by the Colley Group, and the pending Supreme Court case, we will legislate for Civil Partnerships at the earliest possible date in the lifetime of this Government," he added.
"Outhouse has developed into a community centre in the best sense of the word, now welcoming over 25,000 visitors annually to its café, library and meeting rooms.
Outhouse began 15 years ago, shortly after the decriminalisation of homosexuality and offers somewhere, other than commercial bars, for the LGBT community to socialise.
Outhouse, which has been based on Capel Street since 1997, has survived two arson attempts and over 70 LGBT groups meet under its roof regularly.