The Union of Students in Ireland claims the Civil Partnership Bill, which is due for discussion in the Dáil later this evening, “is flawed”.

The USI says it falls short of offering many of the rights and protections covered by civil marriage.

A demonstration will take place outside the Dáil later this evening to condemn the limitations of the bill.

Meanwhile interest group ‘MarriagEquality’ has written to Brian Cowen telling him the proposed civil partnership bill sends a clear message that gay people are not considered as equals in society.

There’s also some concerns within the Fianna Fail ranks.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern will meet with the party’s TD’s and Senators later, to try and resolve issues they have with the Bill.