Voters will be asked to decide on several Constitutional changes that align with the Citizens' Assembly's suggestions on gender equality.

The Citizens' Assembly suggested amending a family-related item of the Constitution to extend protection beyond married households.

Additionally, it was suggested that the Constitution be changed to exclude any mention of a woman's “life within the home” and substitute non-gender specific wording that acknowledges care provided to the family and community at large.

Cabinet is scheduled to receive the proposed language for the referendums on Tuesday of next week.

In response to a query from Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Mr. Varadkar stated that in order for the referendum to take place in early March—the Government's current timeline—the Bill would need to be before the Houses of the Oireachtas by Christmas or “first thing in January.”

According to Ms. Bacik, she is worried that the referendum's language would differ from the suggestions made by the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and the Citizens' Assembly.

“We are especially worried about the draught that was reported today since it just aims to “strive” to assist care provision a rather ineffectual phrase instead of providing carers with significant acknowledgment.

Furthermore, based on the stories in today's publications, we know that the care that will be acknowledged by the Constitution will only be provided inside the confines of the family or the home.

“In contrast, the Citizens' Assembly and the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality had suggested a more inclusive definition of care that would include care provided outside the home.”

Additionally, Ms. Bacik demanded assurance that the ballot will define family in a way that goes beyond marriage.

Mr. Varadkar stated that after Cabinet clearance, the referendum language will be released.

“Amending the Constitution is never simple,” he declared. It is always important to consider how the courts may interpret something. I firmly believe that legislation and decisions about how public funds should be spent should be determined in the Oireachtas.

“We must always consider that when amending the Constitution, but Minister O'Gorman will present the language to Cabinet on Tuesday of next week.

We'll be able to share it with everyone on Tuesday and then discuss it further from there, subject to approval by Cabinet.”