Same sex marriage has moved one step closer to becoming law.

The Seanad has passed Marriage Equality Bill this evening, meaning it has now been given approval by both houses of the Oireachtas.

The Taoiseach will now present a copy of it to President Michael D Higgins - who is expected to sign the bill into law - without any difficulty.

However that process could a little while longer as the President is currently visiting the United States.