Only 81 same-sex couples so far have notified the General Registrar Office (GRO) of their intent 
to enter into a civil partnership, according to a report in the Irish Times.
The GRO received 18 notices of intention to enter a civil partnership up to January 10th.
A further 63 appointments to give notice of an intention to enter a civil partnership were received.
The Civil Partnership Act, which created the legal framework for same-sex couples to enter such unions, was passed last July. It gives same-sex couples who register almost all the same rights as married couples, including inheritance and tax rights.
The law came into effect on January 1. Couples must give the GRO three months notice before they can enter a Civil Partnership meaning the first ceremonies will take place in April. The GRO received the first notice of intention to enter a civil partnership on January 4th.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice yesterday confirmed an order legally recognising couples in same-sex relationships who had previously entered into a civil marriage or civil partnership in 27 foreign jurisdictions.
The Department stated that “certain classes of registered foreign relationship to be entitled to be recognised in the State as a civil partnership” began yesterday.
The Gay and Lesbian Network (Glen) has claimed that there could be up to 1,000 same-sex relationships which will be legally recognised here.
A lesbian couple has appealed a High Court decision refusing to recognise their Canadian marriage. That appeal will be ruled upon by the Supreme Court later this year.