Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On the proposed referendum on Article 41.2.1° of the Constitution, the Tánaiste is aware that many of us, including groups outside the House like the National Women's Council of Ireland, are very much of the view that rather than a simple repeal, it would be preferable to use this opportunity for public debate on the role of caring within families. It would be a better approach and it is the approach recommended by the Citizens' Assembly. The Tánaiste is also aware that a Government request to waive the pre-legislative scrutiny of this proposed legislation was refused by the Business Committee this morning. In light of that, will the Government rethink its approach to this referendum? Will it consider listening to what we have been saying for some time and allow this opportunity for that public debate, which we all think could be helpful?

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