The referendum on the Court of Appeal has been passed.

Almost 66% of the country voted in favour of setting up the new court, while just over 34% voted No.

Interestingly tere were over 20,000 spoiled votes, which is even more than the 14,000 in the Seanad poll. 

The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has welcomed the Yes vote and says the court will be established in a year's time.