A Labour TD has asked if a referendum on marriage equality is necessary and suggested the issue could be dealt with through legislation.
Michael McNamara said most people do not want a referendum because it will be divisive.
He said it would be a hurtful campaign for many given what is likely to be said by one side or the other.
Speaking in the Dáil, the Clare TD said no one has yet answered the question why marriage equality cannot be legislated for.
He said the need for a referendum is based on the opinion of a former attorney general but no one outside Cabinet has seen this opinion.
The Government is proposing to have a referendum on the issue next year.
