Taoiseach says it is clear referendums have been 'defeated comprehensively'

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it is clear that the referendums on the family and care amendments have been defeated.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, Mr Varadkar said: "Well, I think it’s clear at this stage that the family amendments and the care amendment referendums have been defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout.

"The government accepts the result and will respect it fully. As head of government, on behalf of the government, we accept responsibility for the result."

The Taoiseach added: "It was as our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote yes and we clearly failed to do so. I think we struggled to convince people of the necessity or need for the referendum at all, let alone the detail and the wording. And that's obviously something we're going to have to reflect on, into the weeks and months ahead."