Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note Deputy Barry's support for a "Yes" vote on both questions. I believe it is really important that we pass both of these referendums, which will take place on Friday week. A "Yes, No" vote would leave the sexist language about women in the Constitution. We are trying to place a value in the Constitution with regard to care. The Government already has a very active programme of work under way with regard to people with disabilities. We have given a commitment in recent days about implementing the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Our Constitution is not just our legal textbook but also our values textbook. The language about women is out of date. At the same time, in removing that out-of-date language, we should underpin the value of care in the Bunreacht. That is what we are seeking to do.

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