Constitution and care work
Eamon Ryan asks whether, if no referendum on women’s place in the home proceeds, the Government will use a consultative process to recognise care work in the Constitution. The Minister says work continues, consultations are ongoing, and momentum on the issue should not be lost.
Last week, the Minister for Justice and Equality stated that the Government does not intend to proceed with a referendum to amend the reference in the Constitution to women’s place in the home. Is it intended, following advice from the National Women's Council and the Stay-At-Home Parents Association, to proceed with a consultative forum whereby a wording which recognises the value of all the caring work done in the home and which could be included in the Constitution could be agreed? If the Government does not proposed to go ahead with a referendum, will it proceed with the other mechanisms the National Women's Council and the Stay-At-Home Parents Association have indicated they want to be put in place?
Comment on this
As stated last week, I am giving consideration to a report commissioned by the justice committee. I am keen to continue open consultations with all of the groups. I would welcome a submission from Deputy Eamon Ryan and his colleagues as well. It is important we do not lose the momentum on this issue and that we would proceed at the earliest opportunity, notwithstanding the complexities involved.