The Taoiseach has given his backing for a referendum on same sex marriage.

"I support that very strongly and we'll campaign for that when it comes," he said.

Earlier today the Government agreed to hold a referendum on civil marriage for same-sex couples in the first half of 2015.

Last April, the Constitutional Convention voted overwhelmingly to recommend that the Constitution be changed to allow for civil marriage for same-sex couples.

Commenting on the announcement the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said the right of gay people to marry was an "important issue".

The Taoiseach was speaking at the announcement of 218 jobs which will be created by start-ups backed by the Dublin Business Innovation Centre.

Lise Hand

Online Editors