Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, joined our panel of civil society and political representatives who shared opinions from both sides of the debate to tease out the meaning of a Yes or No vote on the proposed constitutional changes on Family and Care. The insightful panel, chaired by Mark Garrett, Law Society Director General, included:

• Catherine Day, Chair of Citizen’s Assembly on Gender Equality and former Secretary-General of the European Commission;

• Ivana Bacik TD, Labour Party Leader and Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality;

• Rónán Mullen, Independent Senator, National University of Ireland (NUI) Panel;

• Orla O’Connor, Director of National Women’s Council; and

• Brenda Power, Journalist and Barrister

For a review of some of the key points raised by our panel forum, read the Gazette’s article Lively Law Society debate on referendums.

Media coverage

The Law Society’s discussion forum was covered extensively throughout national and local media. Some highlights include:

• RTÉ - Yes vote will help secure funding for disability services and carers – O'Gorman

• Irish Times - Who’s who? The Yes and No camps in the March 8th family and care referendums

• Irish Examiner - Roderic O'Gorman has 'open mind' about social welfare supports for stay-at-home parents

• Irish Independent - Minister has ‘open mind’ on creating new stay-at-home carer’s payment in wake of March 8 referendum

• Irish Mirror - O'Gorman 'open-minded' to creating social welfare payment for stay-at-home parents

• Donegal Live - Roderic O’Gorman denies married couples’ rights will be limited under changes

Learn more

The referendums seek approval to change the wording of the Constitution to:

1. amend Article 41 to provide for a wider concept of family, and

2. delete Article 41.2 (which refers to the role of women in the home) and insert a new Article 42B to recognise family carers.

Voting on the two referendums takes place on 8 March 2024.