A poll conducted this week shows that 86 percent of Irish people approve of lesbian and gay relationships, while 65 percent approve of adoption for same-sex couples.

The results are based on The Behaviours and Attitudes Pool conducted by The Sunday Times, that surveyed 954 people.

Kieran Rose, chairperson for the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network welcomed the findings saying, “This is another welcome demonstration of the transformation in attitudes to lesbian and gay people and of the generosity of Irish voters in their willingness to extend equal status and dignity to lesbian and gay people and lesbian and gay headed families.

“The Government has decided to hold a referendum on marriage in early 2015. The Taoiseach confirmed his support for marriage and stated that the Coalition Government would campaign for a yes vote in the Referendum.

“It is clear from this poll and other recent polls public opinion firmly accepts that lesbian and gay people and families headed by lesbian and gay couples should be afforded the same respect, legal status and protections that are available to the rest of society.”

This week, it was also announced that over 3,000 people have entered into civil partnerships in Ireland as of June 2014. In a further sign of progress, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has recently confirmed that couples who have married in the UK and further abroad will have their marriages automatically recognised in Ireland as civil partnerships.

“The widespread public support for more almost 1,500 civil partnerships that have already been celebrated all across Ireland and the growing political and public support shows that Ireland is ready for the next step in the 20 year journey to civil marriage and full Constitutional equality for lesbian and gay people and families.”

Last month, Taoiseach Enda Kenny confirmed that the same-sex marriage referendum will take place in Ireland in the Spring of next year.

GLEN have released an infographic detailing civil partnerships statistics in Ireland.