The constitutional referendum on same-sex marriage will be held in the spring of next year, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.

“We have not named a date yet,’’ he said. “There are a number of other legal issues that need to be dealt with, including elements of adoption which are necessary.’’

He said the Government would decide the date “in due course’’.

Mr Kenny was replying in the Dail today to Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams who asked when the Government would set "a firm date'' for the referendum. He noted that the Taoiseach had expressed support for the measure.