Senator Bacik welcomes debate on Economic Social and Cultural Rights at Constitutional Convention

Statement by Senator Ivana Bacik, Labour Seanad leader, spokesperson on Justice.

 

 

Speaking as the leader of the Labour Party delegation to the Constitutional Convention, Senator Ivana Bacik today welcomed the debate on the inclusion of Economic Social and Cultural rights in the Constitution that will be held over the last weekend of the Convention on 22-23 February.

 

Senator Bacik said:

 

"The Constitutional Convention has worked diligently over the last year to produce reports on a range of potential Constitutional amendments, and the Government has already committed to holding a referendum on three of the amendments recommended by the Convention – notably on the issue of marriage equality.”

 

“Late last year, we in the Labour delegation prepared a submission to the Constitutional Convention, arguing in line with Labour policy that the additional sessions should be used to consider the inclusion of ESC (Economic, Social and Cultural) rights in the Constitution, among other issues. This would mean that rights such as the right to healthcare, to social protection and to housing might be given constitutional status. We were delighted, following a vote by delegates, to see that the topic of ESC rights will be dealt with at the last session of the Convention, over 22-23 February. I really hope that we will see strong support among Convention delegates for the inclusion of this important set of rights in our Constitution, and I look forward to a comprehensive debate on the issues involved over the course of next weekend.”

 

ENDS