James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The proposed fortieth amendment of the Constitution or care referendum will delete Article 41.2, removing outdated language on the role of women. It would also insert a new Article 42B to recognise the value of family care.

The Irish Constitution is our foundational document. It holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Irish people. When the Constitution was adopted by the Irish people in 1937, it enshrined key principles and protections that continue to serve us very well to this day. Language and ideas evolve, however, and it is important to make sure our Constitution continues to reflect the core values and ambitions of successive generations of Irish people. Many people in our country will be of the view that this referendum is long overdue in respect of the language regarding the role of women in the home. The referendum, if supported by the Irish people, would enshrine a new provision in our Constitution in the form of Article 42B. This will recognise the value of the care and support that family members give to one another, and which is a foundation for solidarity and cohesion in our society.

The amendment would delete the current wording of Article 41.2 that refers to supporting mothers in the home. The new Article 42B broadens the scope to include all family members, men and women, and immediate extended family members. It would recognise the role played by family members in terms of support and care, which is provided on an unpaid and voluntary basis, and which is often daily demanding and for some, unending in its need.

Article 42B would also affirm that the State shall strive to support family carers. While there are those who might argue that this is merely tokenistic and will have no hold over Government policy, that is not the case. Ireland would, perhaps, be the first country in the world to explicitly elevate care to a constitutional value.

The amendment, if agreed, will oblige the State to make constant efforts to support the provision of care within the family. It will be for this House and all elected representatives to hold governments to account on this. I would encourage everyone to register to vote and visit checktheregister.ieto familiarise themselves with the official documentation as the campaign gets under way in the new year. I look forward to discussing the proposed amendments with my constituents and voters around the country.

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