Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to matters raised in correspondence regarding the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment to the definition of a family (details supplied); when an announcement will be made in respect of the proposed wording; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54097/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 December, the Government approved proposals for two referendums which will:
• amend Article 41 the Constitution to provide for a wider concept of Family; and• delete Article 41.2 of the Constitution to remove text on the role of women in the home, and to insert a new Article 42B to recognise family care.
The referendums will be held on 8 March 2024.
I will now prepare two referendum Bills for the approval of Government to give effect to these proposals.
Following the passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission, will prepare a statement or statements containing a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposals for the referendums and of the text thereof in the relevant Bills and any other information relating to those matters that the Commission considers appropriate.
It shall also be the function of the Electoral Commission to promote public awareness of referendums and to encourage people to vote.
