The Green Party welcomed the Government's publication today of the Civil Partnership Bill, which will enable gay and lesbian couples to enter into a legally recognised union with rights and responsibilities.

The Bill also provides a redress scheme for unmarried opposite sex couples and unregistered same-sex couples. This aims to protect people who are financially dependent at the end of a long-term co-habiting relationship, which ends due to break-up or bereavement.

Green Party justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "This Bill will be of huge practical benefit to gay and lesbian couples in Ireland and marks a significant step forward for the equality agenda in this country. Once the Bill goes through the Oireachtas and becomes law, many people in loving relationships will have the option to have their commitment recognised by the State. It represents real and substantial progress.

"I am delighted the Bill has been published; it is a key legislative priority for the Green Party in Government," he said.

"We acknowledge that the bill is not marriage equality and will not satisfy everybody but we believe that legislating now for civil partnerships provides the best means of recognising and protecting same-sex relationships," Deputy Cuffe added.