It is expected the same-sex marriage referendum will take place on Friday May 22nd.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny made the comments during an interview on RTÉ's Prime Time programme last night.

Mr Kenny says the referendum is about 'tolerance, respect, understanding and sensitivity'.

He told Prime Time that he hopes the referendum passes.

The same-sex marriage referendum will be held alongside the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election, and the vote on a proposal to lower the age for contesting the Presidency from 35 to 21.

The justice minister published the wording last month, which states "marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex".