While the overall decision to extend public service pensions to non-marital and same-sex partners has been welcomed by gay and lesbian pressure groups, moves to charge extra for the concession are seen as discriminatory against gays and lesbians as married public servants don't have to pay the increase.

"We strongly welcome the extension of public service pensions to the partners of gay and lesbian public servants but we are also anxious to ensure. . . equality of treatment for all, particularly in the area of pensions, " said Eoin Collins of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.

Collins also urged the Taoiseach to ensure the proposed legislation on civil partnership be included in the government's legislative programme for this Dail term.

Under a radical new move first mooted over three years ago, the much sought-after pensions are to be extended to non-marital partners, including same-sex couples, as well as those caring for a sibling or other relative. Currently, public service pensions are available to spouses and/or children of a marriage.

The move reflects the change in Irish society where the number of people cohabitating has increased from over 31,000 a decade ago to almost 190,000 today. It also came in light of the forthcoming government legislation which will put civil partnerships on an equal footing with marriage partnerships.

But to help fund the extra cost of providing pensions for partners, the Dept of Finance want such nonmarital public servants to increase their contribution to the widows and orphans scheme from 1.5% of wages to 2%.

Defending the move, the Department of Finance said the increase was voluntary in that non-marital public servants who do not wish to join the scheme don't have to.

Finance also said it was a very small increase against the enormous benefit involved. The proposal is awaiting the final approval of finance minister.