The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has called on Oireachtas Members in their discussions on Article 41.2 of the Constitution to consider deeply the need to recognise the contribution of all in the home.
The Commission submitted its legislative observations to Oireachtas Members ahead of the summer recess and has today restated to all Oireachtas Members its policy statement, in which the Commission makes three key recommendations:
- Article 41.2 should be amended to make it gender-neutral.
- Article 41.2 should be amended to reference ‘family life’ and ‘family life‘ should be understood as including a wide range of family relationships and include situations where family members do not live in the same home.
- Article 41.2 should be amended to recognise and support care work.
The Commission also met on this issue in July with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD and the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty TD to outline its proposals.
Speaking today, Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:
“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has set out a summary of equality and human rights concerns with respect to Article 41.2 and has made its recommendations to Oireachtas Members on how these might be addressed.
“At the core of this proposed amendment to the Constitution is the question of recognising the contribution of everyone in the home and to providing specific recognition and support to care work, which can often take place beyond the family home.”
ENDS/
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Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
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Notes to editor:
The full text of the Policy Statement “Article 41.2 of the Constitution of Ireland” provided by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to Oireachtas Members is available at the following link:
https://www.ihrec.ie/documents/policy-statement-on-article-41-2-of-the-constitution-of-ireland/
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.
The Commission is mandated to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in the State relating to the protection of human rights and equality and to make recommendations to the Government to strengthen and uphold human rights and equality in the State.