# Constitution
Last year
2022
# Referendum
Gender Equality Committee proposes rewording for ‘women in the home’ reference in Constitution
The committee also issued recommendations on childcare and measures to address Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Voices
Analysis: Let's hear it for Ireland's success on our 100th birthday - we’ve come a long way
On the centenary of the formation of the Irish State, author Mark Henry says Ireland is one of the very best countries in which to live today.
Voices
Opinion: Today's ruling vindicates Costello's decision to take Ceta to the Supreme Court
Assistant Professor of Law David Kenny says today’s Supreme Court judgement on the trade deal shows how seriously the highest court took the case.
# president boric
Chile's president dealt a blow as country strongly rejects radical new constitution
Gabriel Boric had argued the document would have ushered in a progressive era.
# Powersharing
British MPs support moves for UK Government to commission Northern Ireland abortion services
The bill had sparked debate on whether the UK Government was respecting devolution in Northern Ireland.
# Bunreacht na hÉireann
What to do with Article 41.2? 'It hasn't actually contributed anything. It's never been a help'
It has no legal significance and the idea of changing it has been kicking around for almost 30 years – but it’s still unclear what’s going to happen to the Constitution’s most contentious article.
All time
# ICCL
Irish Council for Civil Liberties calls for mandatory hotel quarantine to be suspended
The ICCL says that the Constitution requires that the State employ detention as “a very last resort”.
# Women's Rights
Citizens' Assembly meets to discuss constitution clause on ‘women in the home’
The Assembly heard that Article 41.2 of the Constitution came from “a very different time, for a very different Ireland.”
Voices
Opinion: The role of Attorney General should be more transparent - let's start by publishing the advice
Dr David Kenny and Dr Conor Casey argue that the refusal to publish the advice of the AG by successive governments serves no one.
# Houses of the OIreachtas
Does the constitution need to be changed to allow TDs to take maternity leave?
The Taoiseach has said that constitutional change could be needed to provide for TD maternity leave, but constitutional experts say otherwise.
# Democracy
Chileans vote overwhelmingly to replace their constitution
The vote came a year to the day after more than one million people thronged downtown Santiago amidst a wave of social unrest.
# super junior ministers
Having 18 ministers at Cabinet is 'fairly obviously unconstitutional' and politically 'dubious'
Bunreacht na hÉireann states: “The Government shall consist of not less than 7 and not more than 15 members.”
# president
Russia's Vladimir Putin signs law that could keep him in power for another 16 years
He signed the measure today, three days after it sailed through the Russian parliament
Voices
The Irish For: Guns and Gaelic - the history of the right to bear arms
The Irish constitution drew inspiration from others, but did not include the right to bear arms.
# 38th amendment
The Divorce Bill has been signed into law, shortening the 4-year separation period
The divorce referendum was passed by an overwhelming majority of 82%.
# Bunreacht na hÉireann
Quiz: How much do you know about Irish referendums?
Test your knowledge here.
# Divorce
Solicitors want a Yes vote in divorce referendum
A new report by the society details a number of “unsatisfactory” aspects of divorce law.
# sell off
'The banks are dictating what happens': TDs say government relying on 'constitution' card to block vulture funds Bill
Officials were quizzed about their assertions the Bill is unconstitutional and would result in higher mortgage interest rates.
# Divorce referendum
Government announces wording of amendments for the divorce referendum
Through primary legislation the government would introduce, you would have to live apart for two years before getting a divorce.
# Constitution
Divorce referendum: Voters will be asked whether to delete 'living apart period' from Constitution
The government announced the terms of the referendum today.
# substituted
Referendum on divorce could be delayed, warns Taoiseach
It was due to be held in May, but Varadkar said the woman in the home referendum might take its place.
# referenda
These are the referendums coming up in 2019 - and a few after that
Which way will you vote?
# Marriage
Cuba to scrap same-sex marriage language from new constitution, official says
The decision was made despite public support nationwide for the reform.
# Referendum
Justice minister to seek fast-tracking of blasphemy Bill
Almost 65% voted in favour of the 37th amendment to the Constitution in the blasphemy referendum.
# Oireachtas
Committee backs changes to ‘women’s place in the home' section of Constitution
The Justice Committee published a report on the matter today.
# blasphemy ref
The Irish people have voted to remove blasphemy offence from the Constitution
It was a resounding Yes to repeal the offence.
Voices
Should children born in Ireland to foreign parents be deported?
Barrister Anthony Moore writes about whether deportation law reform is throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
# citizenship
Most people are against Irish citizens in the North voting for the Irish president
A poll has found support for extending voting rights at 27%.
# Constitution
Blasphemy Bill passes through Oireachtas ahead of referendum next month
Charlie Flanagan said the reference to blasphemy in the Constitution incorrectly identifies Ireland “as a country that does not value freedom of expression”.
# Article 41.2
'Sexist, outdated, and going to go' - TDs clash over what's next for 'women in the home' section of Constitution
The forthcoming referendum bill was up for pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas this morning.
# Your Say
Poll: Should reference to women's 'life within the home' be removed from Constitution?
A referendum on the topic has been delayed.
# referendum delay
Government accused of trying to 'press gang' committee to delete Constitutional women in the home reference
It had been suggested that the clause should be amended rather than deleted.
# Constitution
Referendum on 'women's life within the home' to be held in October
it’s intended that the referendum would be held in conjunction with the removal of the blasphemy offence from the Constitution.
Voices
Opinion: 'My tiny family is not a family in the eyes of Bunreacht na hÉireann'
Our home is not a family home in the eyes of the law. And this is true of any family which does not have a married couple within it, writes Sinéad Gibney.
# 8th Referendum
Q & A: What do you want to know before voting in the Eighth Amendment referendum?
The vote is four weeks away.
# Reeling In The Years
From 1983 to 2018: A history of the Eighth Amendment
Ireland will vote on the controversial Constitutional amendment in eight weeks time.
# legal advice
Varadkar says Coveney's call for two-thirds majority lock in abortion law is unconstitutional
The Cabinet is discussing potential abortion legislation today.
# Justice Aileen Donnelly
Irish judges defend High Court judge against 'unacceptable' personal attacks from Polish media
It stems from a decision made by Justice Aileen Donnelly this week.
# Supreme Court
What the 'unborn' ruling means for the Eighth Amendment referendum
Yesterday, the Supreme Court clarified that the unborn does not have constitutional rights outside of the Eighth Amendment.
