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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Care referendum support

Summary

Deputy Barry argued for a 'Yes' vote on both referendums but highlighted criticism that the care referendum would make little practical difference. The Minister urged support for both, saying a 'Yes, No' vote would leave sexist language in the Constitution.

Many of the groups which campaigned against marriage equality and appeal are the groups which lead the "No, No" campaign, including the Catholic Church hierarchy, the far right, and now Elon Musk, Conor McGregor, and all. I want to ask the Minister about the emergence of a "Yes, No" camp, which supports "Yes" to the family referendum and "No" to the care referendum. The criticisms raised here, which have won significant support among carers and people with disabilities in particular, include the charge that the referendum will make little material difference to their lives. I am for "Yes, Yes". I do not want deeply sexist clauses drafted by a Catholic archbishop in the Constitution, but I find myself in agreement with many of the criticisms raised by those carers and people with disabilities. I call on the Minister and Government, in the last nine days of this campaign, to commit to support measures which will materially improve the lives of these groups of people. They include measures such as a guaranteed income for carers without the means test, State supports for people with disabilities, not just in the family home but outside as well. In conclusion, I believe this is the right thing to do. I also believe it to be a necessary step if the Government wants to ensure the success of this referendum.

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I note Deputy Barry's support for a "Yes" vote on both questions. I believe it is really important that we pass both of these referendums, which will take place on Friday week. A "Yes, No" vote would leave the sexist language about women in the Constitution. We are trying to place a value in the Constitution with regard to care. The Government already has a very active programme of work under way with regard to people with disabilities. We have given a commitment in recent days about implementing the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Our Constitution is not just our legal textbook but also our values textbook. The language about women is out of date. At the same time, in removing that out-of-date language, we should underpin the value of care in the Bunreacht. That is what we are seeking to do.

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