We are making a change, but we are not making a change that opens up the definition of family to the type of relationship the Deputy has suggested because there are existing guardrails. A polygamous marriage is not a fundamental unit group of society or a moral institution within this context. We have examined the question very carefully and we do not feel there is any context in which that would take place.

We do have an idea because we have the existing guardrails contained in Article 41, guardrails that were deployed in the Zappone case when the court prevented a much more minor expansion of a definition within our Constitution. The court used those guardrails and said it was not for it to expand the definition. What the Deputy is suggesting is far more far reaching and there is no practice within the courts-----

No.

We are not just using the term "durable". We also use the other language within Article 41. The family, following the amendment we are proposing, still has to be a natural and fundamental unit group of society and a moral institution.

They lost in the Supreme Court.

The very clear Government policy intention in terms of what is protected is relationships that are durable or relationships that are also fundamental unit groups of society and moral institutions like a one-parent family or like a cohabiting couple, whether or not it has children. Those are the relationships we seek to include within this broadened concept of the Constitution.

No.

I want to respond to Deputy Bacik because she has raised an important question about relationships between parents and children and the definition of durability. It is important to say the definition of the family is a capitalised term, "the Family". That is also in Article 41. That same term is used in Article 42. In Article 42 it is very clear that "the Family" includes parent-child relationships as well. That is why we are assured that the family, as protected in Article 41, deals with both those horizontal rela…

Tairgim: GO ndéanfar an ráiteas atá leagtha amach sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Rún seo a fhorordú mar eolas do vótálaithe, de bhun alt 23 d'Acht an Reifrinn, 1994 (Uimh. 12 de 1994), i ndáil leis an togra chun an Bunreacht a leasú, atá ar áireamh sa Bhille um an Naoú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (An Teaghlach), 2023, agus is ábhar do reifreann bunreachta. An Sceideal An Bille um an Naoú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (An Teaghlach), 2023 – Páipéar Ballóide Bán Ráiteas mar Eolas do Vótálaithe Fiafraítear d…

No.

I have met them.

I thank all the Deputies both for their amendments and their detailed contributions to this important debate. As we know, the current proposal in the Bill would delete the existing wording of Article 41.2 in its entirety and insert a brand-new article into the Constitution, Article 42B, which would recognise the role played by the family in terms of support and care provided on an unpaid, voluntary basis. It would also stipulate that the State shall strive to support such care. The new provision encompasses all fam…

As I will continue to argue, it is far more robust than Article 41.2 which has achieved absolutely nothing for mothers or anybody else in our society. On the use of the words "care" and "carers", this was done very deliberately because there are two or more people in any care-based relationship. Using the word "care" reflects the view of many disability advocates who had expressed concern about any approach that would suggest a hierarchy where the carer is being valued over the person receiving the care and support…

In terms of locating the obligation within the family, the approach was adopted because of the particularly onerous and ongoing nature of the care that is provided by so many family carers and the absolute level of support that gives the State. The role of the Meals on Wheels volunteer is, of course, vital in society but I am not sure we can equate that laudable value of a voluntary role with the absolute dedication of the family carer who, but for their undertaking of that level of care, the person for whom they a…

We all know from our work as constituency Deputies that many families are providing this care, that this is a support that the State cannot do without and the depth of their commitment and the depth of the need of their commitment requires that degree of constitutional recognition and also the legal protection that the obligation to strive maintains. To that point, in terms of the use of "shall strive", again, it is a recognition that the achievement of the obligation is progressive. It will not be, nor does anyone…

My understanding is that we are not able to provide legal advice from the Attorney General. That is my understanding of the position of the Government on this and on all matters.

The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes made significant findings about the failings of the State and religious bodies, which together ran mother and baby and county home institutions. The Government believes that all relevant parties have a collective responsibility to respond to the legacy of these institutions. In May, the Government approved my proposal to appoint Ms Sheila Nunan to act on my behalf in leading negotiations with religious bodies that had an historical involvement with mother a…

I recognise the frustration about not much being said publicly about this. However, as the Deputy alluded to, it is a negotiation process and any negotiation process where little bits of information slip out during the process is one that parties will not engage with. I am not providing a blow-by-blow account because it is the best way to get a resolution, although I recognise that leads to frustration. This process will end and a report on the offers of a contribution that have been made will then come before the …

I thank the Deputy for highlighting that point. No legal advice is required and no former resident needs to hire a solicitor to access the scheme. Certain companies are advertising it. It is not necessary. When the scheme opens, there will be an extensive public information campaign. We will let people know when it is open and how to apply. Assistance and advice will be available for people through the office set up to give advice to people on how to apply. Regarding the other points the Deputy raised, I hope we wi…

The Deputy asked this question in the context of the Young Ireland: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People strategy that was recently published. It was launched by my Department on 21 November this year. This new policy framework covers the period 2023 to 2028 and envisages an Ireland which fully respects the rights of children and young people. Young Ireland was informed by consultation with children, young people, professionals and parents, as well as recent data and evidence about the issues…