Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When I chaired the special Committee on Gender Equality over the past year, the Taoiseach engaged extensively with us, as did his colleagues in government, for which I thank him. One of the committee's clear and unanimous recommendations was that referendums on constitutional changes to Articles 40 and 41 would be held to give effect to recommendations Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the citizens' assembly. Our committee also took the view that these votes can and should be held during 2023. The report we published in December provided a draft form of wording for the proposed amendments to see recognition for the principle of gender equality and to remove the sexist language currently in the constitutional text, referring exclusively to women and mothers as having a life and duties within the home. Our recommendations would expand the definition of "family" under the Constitution to make it more inclusive. There is a clear opportunity to hold such a referendum this autumn, which would leave extensive time for engagement and wording and for the establishment of the necessary commission. Will the Taoiseach agree to hold a referendum during this calendar year?

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