Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to have a debate in this House after the Christmas recess on the two forthcoming referendums that the Government announced on the proposed constitutional change to the definition of a "family" and on the manner in which women and the role of women in society are represented in Bunreacht na hÉireann. Personally, I cannot believe we are wasting time and money on this. I have often said that when the Government is either unable or unwilling to solve the real problems of this country it instead spends its time solving peripheral minor issues, or non-issues, that make it look like it is actually doing something.

In the midst of the housing crisis, the permanent health crisis and the immigration crisis, we are going to spend tens of millions of euro, at the taxpayers' expense, to ask the members of the public if they wish to rewrite portions of our Constitution to make them look more progressive.It would be interesting if we were to ask the public what they would rather spend this money on. I wonder how many would prioritise a constitutional referendum.

At the end of the day, this is a useless change insofar as it will not change anything. The current wording of Article 41.2.1° has never prevented women from working outside of the home. I dare say women feel demeaned by its existence the Constitution. Article 41.2.2° would be an incredibly helpful provision if the Government abided by it. It states: "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". Imagine if the Government said it would manage the economy in such a way as to make living and raising a family viable on a single income. Women and mothers throughout the country would be overjoyed, with no more working a job for 80% of the income to go on childcare. Managing the economy is difficult and engaging in wordplay is much easier so, of course, the Government will do the latter. I would welcome a debate.