Ministers will discuss the same sex marriage referendum at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.

It’s not clear if the Government will decide to set a day for the vote - but an April ballot is thought to be the favoured option.

More recommendations from the Constitutional Convention will also be on the agenda - including lowering the minimum age for voting and for nomination as a presidential candidate.

Recent opinion polls show that as many as seven out of ten members of the public are in favour of introducing same sex marriage - and the Cabinet could use its last meeting before the Christmas break to set April aside for the much-anticipated referendum.

It’s understood that that Ministers will discuss whether or not to hold it as a stand-alone vote - or run it alongside the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election and other outstanding referendums.

The Constitutional Convention also recommended votes on the offence of blasphemy, lowering the voting age to 16 - and reducing the minimum age of presidential candidates to 21 to public votes - and Ministers are at least expected to mention those issues this morning.