Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has said he is committed to introducing legislation on same-sex partnerships, but indicated that he would not support the concept of marriage being used as a model for that.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in Dublin last night, Mr McDowell indicated that constructing a legal framework around this issue would present a serious challenge.
"I can assure you the Government is committed to legislating on this issue. It is a question of how rather than if.
"Many, probably most, same-sex couples may not want an institution which gives them all the rights, entitlements and duties of marriage. They may prefer a form of civil partnership which protects certain rights of importance to them . . . such as next-of-kin rights, taxation, home ownership, social welfare, pensions, joint property ownership and others," he said.
"My own view is that a marriage analogue is not the way forward. In fact, I think that such an approach is a cul-de-sac.
"I think we have to adopt a different approach. I believe that civil partnership law should be flexible and adaptable. For this reason, my preference would be for an Act providing legal recognition for a range of civil partnerships."
Opening his address, Mr McDowell spoke to the controversy surrounding his presence at the event. He was referring to criticism, both from within the gay and lesbian community and from anti-gay quarters.
"I am very glad to have been invited here. And to those who object from the position of those two opposite prejudices, I simply say that while I respect the right of anyone to hold strong views, I feel that it would have sent out a very wrong message to give in to those opinions."