Ms Orla O'Connor:

On Deputy Clare Daly's questions, we agree with what she has suggested in terms of process. One would have a process like that of the Citizens Assembly. It is important that people note that the Constitutional Convention examined this in 2013 over a weekend. It was also in connection with considering women's participation in life. Therefore, it was very tight and there was not a lot of room for discussion. We would like to see a process similar to that on the eighth amendment. On the question of whether what is desired could be done by May, the timeframe would be tight. We are conscious of that. The Minister mentioned the other referendum on divorce. Maybe it fits with that. It can be done in 2019; however; we would be clear about that. We would want it done in that way.

We also raised the definition of the "family" in the Constitution. That is why we are open to examining Article 45. A point that has been made and that is important to us in the NWCI is that we believe symbols are important. Symbols are particularly important in regard to gender equality because we are coming from a place where there has not been gender equality in society. Having those symbols and recognising care are core to women's equality.