I want to return to the gender equality referendum. I thank the Taoiseach for giving some indication on the timing of the legislation for that referendum and for indicating that it will proceed in March, which is welcome. It is of concern to see reports about the wording proposed and that it will apparently deviate from what we proposed in the Joint Committee on Gender Equality and what the citizens' assembly recommended. In particular, we are concerned to see that, rather than offering a meaningful recognition of carers, it is reported that the draft will merely "strive to support the provision of care", which is a rather ineffective phrase. Furthermore, we understand from the reports in the newspapers that the provision of care to be recognised in the Constitution will be limited to that provided within the home or family, whereas the committee and the citizens' assembly proposed a more inclusive definition of care to include care outside the home. Crucially, in light of the Johnny O'Meara case, we also want to ensure the referendum will expand the definition of "family" beyond that based on marriage. I would welcome clarity on that.

The wording will go to Cabinet next week. Subject to being approved by Cabinet next week, it will be published and the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, I and others will then have an opportunity to go through the wording. Changing the Constitution is never straightforward. We always have to bear in mind how it might be interpreted by the courts. I have a strong view that laws should be made in the Oireachtas and that decisions on how people's money should be spent should be made in the Oireachtas. We always have to take that into account in making any change to the Constitution. The wording will be brought to Cabinet by the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, next Tuesday. Subject to approval by Cabinet, we will be able to share it with everyone on Tuesday and discuss it further from there.