Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has not ruled out the Government holding a referendum on gay marriage next year.

He said a referendum would be held on the matter in the course of time. “I do not expect there will be an undue delay,’’ he said. “It will be a matter of finding a suitable time for it to be held.’’

Asked if the referendum would be held next year, he said: “That is a possibility, yes.’’

He added that there were local and European elections scheduled for next year and other referendums to be held.

A possibility, said Mr Gilmore, might be to take a number of referendums, based on recommendations from the constitutional convention, on the same day.

The Tánaiste was speaking to journalists in Dublin, following the national day of commemoration ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Government Ministers, members of the judiciary and representatives of various faith groups attended the annual ceremony. There were readings from the various faith representatives.

The President placed a wreath at the plaque in honour of all Irish men and women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.

The national flag was raised to full mast, the national anthem played and there was an air corps fly past.