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The Justice Minister Alan Shatter is presenting a report to his Cabinet colleagues at their weekly meeting in Government Buildings this morning. It's expected that the Government will then agree to hold a referendum on the issue. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has also committed to outlining his personal position and that of the Fine Gael party on the issue.

Today's decision is necessary to meet the deadline to respond to the Constitutional Convention's recommendation for a referendum to allow for gay-marriage. However, there is some debate over when the referendum will be held.

Although many are campaigning for it to be held as soon as possible, it is unlikely to take place in 2014. Gay rights campaigners will be looking for as speedy a resolution to their long campaign as possible. 

Labour is pushing for it to take place within the lifetime of the Government, and is proposing 2015 as an ideal date. 

Minister Brendan Howlin says people should be given the opportunity, when it's practical, to express their views on same-sex marriage:

There is some disagreement in Fine Gael about the need for and timing of a same-sex marriage referendum. TD Pat Deering says he doesn't agree that a referendum should be held as the Government will be hard pushed to persuade people to come out to vote. Deputy Deering told Newstalk's Breakfast that Fine Gael has suffered enough over the abortion debate:

The party will also be looking to avoid another defeat following the Seanad vote. Any referendum on the subject could have significant implications during the next general election, regardless of the result.

When do you think a same-sex marriage referendum should be held? Is it sensible to wait and educate the public further on the issue? Should it just be held as soon as possible, regardless of the political implications? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.