Same-sex couples should be allowed to formally register their relationship with the State, according to a framework policy published today by Fine Gael.
The party is seeking a Civil Partnership Register that would award same-sex-couples, as well as cohabiting but unmarried heterosexual couples, a range of new rights and responsibilities.
The succession rights conferred by the policy would, in the event of a death, grant the surviving partner entitlement to his/her estate without being liable to inheritance tax.
It is proposed that next-of-kin status would be bestowed upon a registered partner, who would be entitled to full hospital visitation rights and would be consulted in the areas of medical treatment and funeral arrangements.
Fine Gael also envisages the right of residency in Ireland would be automatically conferred on a foreign registered partner, and that the equivalent of the married tax-free allowance and married mortgage allowance would also be conferred on registered couples
However, the party emphasised that the civil partnership policy is not an attack on traditional marriage. Fine Gael Senator Sheila Terry said that civil partnership is not the same thing as marriage because it does not confer the couple rights in relation to children in the way that marriage does.
"Fine Gael remains committed to the institution of marriage", Senator Terry said. She said the policy was the "next logical step" in ensuring rights for lesbian and gay couples who are discriminated in relation to pensions, property, taxation, welfare and other areas.
Studies quoted in the policy document estimate that one in ten Irish people are gay, and Fine Gael believes that its proposal is "an important step in ensuring everyone shares the rights - and responsibilities - they deserve".