Bill being brought forward in the Seanad today
Co-habiting couples should have the same entitlements to pensions, inheritance claims and grants as those who are married.
The Labour party is bringing forward a bill to the Seanad today - via Kildare Senator Mark Wall - for which they're seeking cross party support.
150,000 couples are currently living together and raising families, who are not married.
Those who live together are not entitled to pension rights if their partner dies, and can face inheritance tax bills even on properties that are jointly owned.
A recent High Court case saw a man whose partner of 20 years died, denied a bereavement grant and pension entitlements.
Senator Wall says the time for debating the issue is passed:
The Athy native joined 'Kildare Focus' this afternoon: