Ministers envisage that an October referendum will allow the expanded franchise to take effect in time for the next presidential election in 2025.

This will likely require the bill to be published by the end of July at the latest, The Irish Times reports.

Other provisions expected to appear in the general heads of the bill include proposals to extend the election period from 60 days to 90 days to allow for postal ballots.

A spokesperson for the Government told RTÉ: “The Government believes it is very important to reach out to the global Irish family.

“Should a referendum pass, it is intended that amendments to the constitution will be commenced broadly in time for the next scheduled presidential contest due before November 10, 2025.”