Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Government “clearly got it wrong” following the projected failure of the Family referendum. 

It is expected the first referendum being announced today will be a strong No result, with constituency results announced so far overwhelmingly against the amendment. 

Speaking while the results are still being counted, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government “clearly got it wrong”. 

“I’m not going to tell the people they are wrong, they are not,” he told reporters. 

“As head of Government, on behalf of the Government, we accept responsibility for the result. 

“It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people and we failed to do so. 

“We struggled to convince of the necessity or need of the referendum at all, let alone the details and the wording. 

“That is something we’re obviously going to have to reflect on in the week and months ahead.” 

He also noted the Government will continue to work “in relation to gender equality, in relation to improving conditions for carers, improving rights for people with disabilities”. 

Green Party Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman speaking to the media at Dublin Castle for the referendum on family and care, 09/03/2024. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Integration and Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman also addressed the failing referendum, saying it was “up to the Government to make te case that it should pass”. 

He said there was a “range” of reasons that could have driven peple to “the two strong no votes”. 

“We weren't able to convince people,” he said. 

“People didn’t see the urgency on these two issues like they would have seen in the case of Repeal [the Eighth Amendment] or marriage equality.” 

Minister Eamon Ryan earlier appeared to admit defeat on the two constitutional questions, suggesting the case put to the public 'didn't win'.

Ballot boxes and votes being counted in the RDS for the referendum on family and care. Image: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the “result of the referendums on family and care is clear”. 

“There is no single reason why these proposals were rejected and, like all who supported them, we will reflect on this over time,” he said. 

“While the constitutional change was rejected, it is clear that the need for continued action to support families and to respect principles of equality was not challenged.” 

Cork South-Central was the first to announce its results to amend the definition of the family, with 61.4% against. 

Eight constituencies have returned results so far, seven of which are overwhelmingly against the Family amendment. 

Dun Laoghaire is the only constituency so far to vote in favour of the amendment, although the Yes vote only received 50.3% compared to 49.7% against. 

Keep up-to-date with the results as they come in with Newstalk.com's referendum widget at the top of the homepage