The group, which will draw up options available to the government on the introduction of a form of civil partnership for gay couples, yesterday called for submissions from "any interested person, organisation or group to provide input into its work".

A deadline of Friday 28 April has been set for the receipt of submissions. The group, chaired by former PD TD and current chair of the Legal Aid Board Ann Colley, is to prepare an options paper on domestic partnership by October.

The terms of reference set down are to "consider the categories of partnerships and relationship outside of marriage to which legal effect and recognition might be accorded, consistent with constitutional provisions" and to "identify options as to how and to what extent legal recognition could be given to those alternative forms of partnership, including partnerships entered into outside the state".

The minister had previously signalled that the proposals to be considered by the government were likely to stop short of providing for gay marriage, but could provide for greater equality between married and cohabiting couples in areas such as tax, inheritance and social welfare.

However, McDowell stressed in December that he would not "prejudge the matter", stating: "I think it's better for me not to predicate their [the group's] work by signalling what I want them to do."