The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality (the Assembly) will meet online tomorrow (Saturday February 13) to discuss the topic of ‘Article 41 of the Constitution’ including Article 41.2, the ‘women in the home’ clause and the family. The aim will be to progress agreement on a ballot paper on these topics which the citizens will vote on at the end of the process (planned for April.)
The agenda for tomorrow’s meeting is set out below.
Due to the online nature of this meeting live streaming of sessions will not take place, but broadcasts of the public sessions will be made available on the website shortly after they have concluded.
Chairperson of the Assembly, Dr Catherine Day said: “I am really pleased that despite the current COVID-19 pandemic the Citizens’ Assembly has continued its work online and we are now moving in to the final phase which is preparation for voting. Gender inequality impacts all across our society and this has become even more apparent during the pandemic. I look forward to working with our dedicated members to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Oireachtas to advance Gender Equality in Ireland.
Citizens Assembly meeting: 13 February
Article 41 of the Constitution
The precirculated videos will be made available on the Citizens’ Assembly website at 9.30 am on 13 February
Pre-circulated videos
- Dr. Tom Hickey, DCU, ‘ The Irish Constitution’
- Dr. Laura Cahillane, UL, ‘Article 41.2’
Also review of videos from February 2020 meeting:
- Professor Siobhan Mullally, NUIG, ‘The Family in the Constitution and the Law’ (slightly shortened version of original presentation)
- Dr. Tom Hickey, DCU, ‘Article 41- the Constitution & Family’
- Lived experience
Members also received 2 videos from Catherine Day, the Chairperson in advance of the meeting outlining the approach to this and future meetings entitled ‘Pathway to Future Recommendations’ & ‘February meeting- the Irish Constitution.’
Media programme
The focus of the day will be on agreeing a draft ballot paper for voting in April. In light of this, most of the day will be spent in private discussions amongst the members. The Chair will record a feedback video after the meeting which will be made publicly available afterwards.
10 am Welcome & opening remarks Chair
Icebreaker Zoom poll
Available online at 10.30 am.
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Private sessions
10.15 am Breakout group discussion
Article 41.2
10.55 am Return to plenary
Zoom poll
11.05 am Breakout room discussion
Article 41.2
11.50 am Plenary session
Questions & answers
12.15 Lunch
13.15 Plenary session
Discussion of draft ballot paper
13.35 Zoom poll
13.45 Breakout group discussion
The Family
14.35 Plenary
Discussion of draft ballot paper
15.25 Zoom polls
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15.35 Closing remarks Chair
Available online at 16.15 pm
15.45 Ends
Feedback video from Chair to be recorded and made available as soon as possible after the meeting
ENDS
Media Contact:
Jack O’Donnell
jackodonnell@q4pr.ie
087 660 7593
Notes to Editor:
About the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality:
The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality (the Assembly) was established by a resolution of the Oireachtas.
99 citizens were randomly selected to participate in the Assembly chaired by, Dr. Catherine Day. Further details on the Citizens’ Assembly website.
The Citizens’ Assembly can also be found on Twitter @CitizAssembly and on YouTube: The Citizens’ Assembly
