The successful motion follows a series of recent statements at government level in which a consensus has emerged that civil partnerships will be recognised in legislation, although it is believed that this will be difficult to achieve in the lifetime of the present administration. People living in recognised civil partnerships would have access to inheritance rights and pension entitlements for a deceased partner.

Meanwhile, following a series of speeches by PD TDs and senators on the implications of the rapid increase in international oil prices, the party proposed that grantaid should be given to agriproducers who move towards the production of bio-fuels.

Delegates also agreed that the peat-using plants at Shannonbridge, Edenderry and Lanesborough should be converted to produce power from these crops.

Minister of State at the department of finance, and former Irish Farmers' Association leader Tom Parlon, told the conference that the state was currently paying almost as much for carbon emission credits as for the peat burned at the plants.

?I propose that we begin a process of peat substitution as soon as possible, " he said. ?I do not see the logic of purchasing carbon credits abroad when the money might be better spent at home and to much better effect."

Parlon said it was essential for the state to move in this direction in light of the everrising price of oil . . . currently over $74 (60) a barrel . . . and the rising cost of carbon credits, now approximately 30 per tonne.

Also speaking on the issue of rising costs of oil prices and the implications for Irish industry, PD TD Fiona O'Malley insisted that the solution to overdependence on oil lay in the state's own hands. She said it was imperative to develop the Corrib field ?as quickly as possible" as it could supply half of the country's gas requirements and 15% of the state's total energy needs.

Senator Tom Morrissey outlined major plans, entitled 'A New Heart for Dublin', to redevelop Dublin port as a centre for cruise liner traffic as part of a major urban regeneration project. He cited international examples in cities like Helsinki and Barcelona where run-down port areas have been transformed beyond recognition."

Morrissey said that a reorganisaton of industrial fleet traffic out of Dublin port would free up 600 acres of valuable real-estate for phased development, including housing and green spaces.

He insisted that the party's policy of demanding efficient spending on capital projects including the proposed 34 billion transport plan for the Dublin area, would be central to the effective delivery of services.