A recent High Court case saw a man denied a bereavement grant and pension entitlements after his partner of 20 years died.
Co-habiting couples should have the same entitlements to pensions, inheritance claims and grants as those who are married.
The Labour party is bringing a bill to the Seanad today for which they're seeking cross party support.
150 thousand couples are currently living together and raising families without being married.
A recent High Court case saw a man whose partner of 20 years died, denied a bereavement grant and pension entitlements.
Labour senator Mark Wall says the time for debating the issue is passed: