News & Events Minister O’Gorman to address University event on referendums

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, T.D., is to address a University of Galway event on the upcoming referendums on the family and care. 

The event - The Constitutional Referendums on 8^th March 2024: A Discussion with Minister Roderic O’Gorman - takes place in the IT Building, IT250, on Tuesday February 20^th and is open to the public. 

Next month, Irish citizens who are registered to vote will have the opportunity to vote in two constitutional referendums.  

The first referendum concerns the concept of family in the Constitution, and if passed would broaden the definition of family beyond marriage.  

The second Referendum proposes to delete an existing part of the Constitution and insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other, and to remove the reference to duties in the home of a mother. 

Dr Brian Tobin, School of Law, will provide a critical response to the Minister's address and an audience Q&A will also take place. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Brian Tobin, said: “I am delighted that Minister O'Gorman can join us at University of Galway to take part in this informative and insightful event for our students, staff and the public. Minister O'Gorman will emphasise the importance of the referendum proposals to attendees, but they will also be exposed to my own critique of the proposals, and then have the opportunity to engage with the Minister themselves in what I hope will be a lively audience Q&A session.” 

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