Family carers in Clare claim a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum would provide a watershed moment for those who provide an essential service in this county.
The vote will take place on March 8th and will seek to amend the Irish Constitution to recognise the contribution of carers in the home.
On the second Friday in March, voters will be asked to approve or reject two amendments to the Irish Constitution.
The first of these involves Article 41.2, where a yes vote would see this article placed with a new article 42B.
Essentially this means the reference to a women’s life and a mother’s duties being in the home would be removed from the constitution and a new recognition of family carers would take its place.
Article 42B would declare that the state will strive to support the provision of family carer’s services, without which the common good cannot be achieved.
The second of these involves Article 41.1.1 where a vote will be taken on broadening the definition of ‘family’.
A Yes vote on this front would recognise that families can be founded on durable relationships as well as marriages.
Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, Catherine Cox says its an issue that affects the whole of society.
There are currently almost 3,000 family carers in this county and recent census data has also revealed that Clare has the highest proportion of unpaid family carers in the 20-25 age bracket in the country.
Sinead O’Brien from Bunratty, who was named Netwatch Family Carer of the year in 2023, says securing a Yes vote on both fronts will ensure a greater platform for carers to fight for their rights.
You can listen to the full interview below.
