The government is to approve plans to make it illegal for 16-year-olds to get married.

The Seanad is to vote in favour of a plan which will stop anyone under the age of 18 being able to marry in a bid to clamp down on forced marriages.

Currently it is possible to get married at age 16 or 17, but only if the child goes to court to prove they have parental approval.

Independent Senator Jillian van Turnhout says no child should be allowed to get married - irrespective of the circumstances.

She believes Ireland needs to act as a world leader in stopping arranged marriages.