A gay civil partnership took place in every county of Ireland last year.

429 couples held civil ceremonies in 2012, which was the first full year of same-sex partnerships. 

Figures released by the Department of Social Protection show 215 civil partnerships were held in Dublin.

More than 20,000 marriages took place between men and women across the country.

Almost 1,000 gay couples have now registered their civil partnerships since the introduction of new legislation in April of 2011.