WATCH: 'Throuples', truffles and polygamous relationships at centre of referendum debate

There were bizarre and comical scenes in Dail Éireann as a government minister attempted to clarify the definition of "durable relationships" in the context of the upcoming referendum on the expansion of the concept of the family.

While explaining that "throuples" and those in polygamous relationships will not be given constitutional protection, Roderic O’Gorman also had to clarify that he was not, in fact, talking about truffles.

The Equality Minister made the comments as the debate on the referendum, which will take place in March, got underway on Wednesday.

During the debate, Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara questioned whether polygamous relationships would be protected if they were considered to be "durable”.

"It is not one that represents a moral institution in Irish law and it is not durable. The clear policy intention of the government regarding polygamous relationships, and I have heard the word "throuples" being thrown around," said Minister O'Gorman before Clare TD Michael McNamara interjected to ask the minister to clarify what he had said.

"I thought the Minister said truffles. I wondered if there were truffles in the Dáil restaurant. Sorry," he commented.

Finishing his point, the minister said: "So we are clear, such a relationship (polygamous) is not covered in the concept of durability and it is not covered in the expanded concept of the family we are seeking to protect. We have these guardrails already in the Constitution. Putting durability in there adds to that. It is important in a context where we are making a significant and meaningful change that people can understand it is a change to allow our Constitution to encompass serious relationships."