Mr. Frank Conaty:

Again, returning to recognition versus support, this is a significant challenge. If we agree in principle that recognition is important, symbolic or otherwise, in the Constitution because of the contribution that carers make to society, then without support that symbolic recognition becomes meaningless. I know from speaking to carers that for too long they have been in a position where they feel they have been dealt with in an almost charitable fashion or have been given a pat on the back for doing the work. Some supports do exist but they are largely and often insufficient. Without having some means by which the State is compelled to provide adequate support, then the symbolism, while extremely important, becomes somewhat meaningless for the practical day-to-day lives of carers. That is the challenge. I do not suggest I have the answers or know how to delimit that situation.

If we accept those principles, it is for us, as a society, and our legislators, to take that conversation to the next level in terms of how we actualise them and make them operable within our Constitution and legislative framework.