Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Convention on the Constitution on its hard work since it first met in December 2012. Thus far, the convention has dealt with a wide range of issues under the careful guidance of Mr. Tom Arnold and has made some interesting recommendations for the Oireachtas to consider. I also commend the many individuals, organisations and community groups who made well thought out submissions to the convention. It is great to see such enthusiastic engagement with the convention and its work.

The purpose of this debate is to discuss the recommendation by the convention to amend Article 41.2 of the Constitution, which provides that "the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved". It further provides that "the State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home". At its meeting on this issue in February last, 88% of members of the convention voted in favour of modifying rather than deleting Article 41.

The Constitutional Convention made clear proposals for change, with 98% of members voting in favour of making the article gender neutral and including other carers other in the home, while 62% voted in favour of changing the article to include carers beyond the home. As is recognised in the excellent submission of the Constitutional Convention, women have traditionally taken responsibility as the principal carer in the home. This role has traditionally been undervalued by the State and society. My mother spent much of her life working in the home, as did most women of her generation. This was the norm, one which was enshrined in the Constitution. Since then, however, the norm has been turned on its head as many women sought to continue their careers after having children. Nowadays, it is often more beneficial to a family to have a husband or partner stay at home and act as carer. These changes have accelerated in the economic downturn as many men who were previously the main breadwinners, including many who had worked in the construction industry, find themselves earning less than their wives due to cuts in payments or hours or without an income as a result of job losses.

As a society, we have been trying to find our feet since the changes brought about by the economic crash. The proposal to change Article 41.2 to make it gender neutral reflects the fact that men are the main carers in many homes.

In our efforts to move with the times, however, we must not forget the enormously valuable contribution made to society by women through their work in the home over generations. These women and their work which can be valued as an economic contribution to the State, has been forgotten by the State. When the time comes for them to retire, many find themselves entitled only to a non-contributory pension despite having worked all their lives and made this economic contribution to the State. Those women have lost out financially because of their commitment to the family and to society.

I am pleased the proposed changes to the Constitution continue to protect the rights of mothers to work in the home and to be the principal carer if they wish. By making it gender-neutral it also reflects the way women are now continuing their careers outside of the home after having children. Women who wish to do this must be supported by the State. One area in which this is very important and relevant to us here is in politics. I also commend the convention on taking up this issue. Even though it did not recommend a change to the Constitution to place an obligation on the State to encourage women's participation in politics, there is a wish that this be done. The Government has taken the lead by introducing quotas. It is important to have more women in politics. Other speakers have already covered what I was going to say. Women in politics bring a balance and a sense of calm in times of despair.

The other very valuable aspect of the recommended change by the Convention on the Constitution is the way it will recognise the value of care in the wider sense to Irish society. This includes care of people with disabilities. It also, of course, includes care of elderly relatives undertaken by men and women. For example, I can speak of my two brothers. In the last few months of her life, my mother was supported and cared for by my two brothers - a care that was unconditional love. It allowed us to keep her at home and continue to mind her in a familiar, safe and secure environment, which is what she always wanted.

I was pleased to hear the Minister commit to working through the wording on gender quality and to further enhance the role of women in society in response to the work of the Convention on the Constitution. I support the work of the convention and the work that it is doing on behalf of all citizens of the State. I wish it well as it completes its work over the coming months. I wish the Minister well in ensuring that any proposed changes to the Constitution will be supported by the Government.

See this speech in context