Ireland's infamous mother and baby house of horrors has yielded the remains of 22 more infants. The excavation team in Tuam, County Galway, has found 99 corpses since the excavations started in July last year. The remains were found in coffins on the south-western edge of the site. Documents describe it as a "burial ground". The grim findings will be cleaned and examined at a mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore. Experts say that the discovery of so many corpses shows that there are a lot more of them. The number could be as high as 800.&nbsp;The remains were unearthed by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention (ODAIT), which will use radiology and 3D scanning to find out more about their lives, deaths, age and sex. ODAIT said, "These details may narrow the number of possible matching individuals and help to connect a skeletal individual with a name." Dr Niamh McCullagh, Senior Forensic Consultant, told ITV News, "the remains are so concentrated" in this place, which appears to be a burial ground, that "we expect to find more."&nbsp;The home first gained prominence in 2014. Local historian Catherine Corless found 796 death certificates for babies and young children, but no burial records. The area was checked, and test excavations were carried out at the Mother and Baby Home site in 2017. This confirmed that human remains were present on the property, specifically where a septic tank used to be.<h2>Girls who got pregnant out of wedlock were tortured at the institution</h2>This institution was part of a network of homes where pregnant, unmarried girls were sent to give birth. They were abused emotionally and physically, forced into unpaid labour, and lived in bad conditions. The babies were forcibly taken away from them, most of whom didn't survive, dying of malnutrition and diseases that could have been treated. They were also subjected to medical experiments, such as vaccine trials. According to the death records, on average two babies died a week.&nbsp;The Bon Secours Sisters ran the institution on behalf of Galway County Council from 1925 to 1961 when it was shut down. The site was covered in asphalt and gravel and used as a driveway in the following years, according to ODAIT. The agency said that 62 people have submitted their DNA to be tested against the remains.

Excavations at a mother and baby house in Galway, Ireland, where unmarried pregnant girls were tortured and gave birth, have revealed 22 more infant corpses, taking the number up to 99. The horror house could have 800 dead bodies of babies and children.   

Ireland's infamous mother and baby house of horrors has yielded the remains of 22 more infants. The excavation team in Tuam, County Galway, has found 99 corpses since the excavations started in July last year. The remains were found in coffins on the south-western edge of the site. Documents describe it as a "burial ground". The grim findings will be cleaned and examined at a mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore. Experts say that the discovery of so many corpses shows that there are a lot more of them. The number could be as high as 800. The remains were unearthed by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention (ODAIT), which will use radiology and 3D scanning to find out more about their lives, deaths, age and sex. ODAIT said, "These details may narrow the number of possible matching individuals and help to connect a skeletal individual with a name." Dr Niamh McCullagh, Senior Forensic Consultant, told ITV News, "the remains are so concentrated" in this place, which appears to be a burial ground, that "we expect to find more." The home first gained prominence in 2014. Local historian Catherine Corless found 796 death certificates for babies and young children, but no burial records. The area was checked, and test excavations were carried out at the Mother and Baby Home site in 2017. This confirmed that human remains were present on the property, specifically where a septic tank used to be. Girls who got pregnant out of wedlock were tortured at the institution This institution was part of a network of homes where pregnant, unmarried girls were sent to give birth. They were abused emotionally and physically, forced into unpaid labour, and lived in bad conditions. The babies were forcibly taken away from them, most of whom didn't survive, dying of malnutrition and diseases that could have been treated. They were also subjected to medical experiments, such as vaccine trials. According to the death records, on average two babies died a week. The Bon Secours Sisters ran the institution on behalf of Galway County Council from 1925 to 1961 when it was shut down. The site was covered in asphalt and gravel and used as a driveway in the following years, according to ODAIT. The agency said that 62 people have submitted their DNA to be tested against the remains.

Excavations at a mother and baby house in Galway, Ireland, where unmarried pregnant girls were tortured and gave birth, have revealed 22 more infant corpses, taking the number up to 99. The horror house could have 800 dead bodies of babies and children. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Irish horror house where nearly 800 babies were experimented on reveals remains of 22 more infants

The Irish parliament has passed legislation banning imports of goods from Israeli communities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, marking one of the most severe trade actions taken by a European nation against Israel. The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) bill bans products coming from goods coming from “certain Israeli settlements.” Those include residential, agricultural, and commercial operations situated outside of what it claims are Israel's internationally recognised borders. Although Ireland was the first nation to propose such a ban, Spain already implemented a package of import restrictions last October. Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). That ICJ ruling declared Israel's presence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to be an illegal occupation under international law.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-wanted-fbi-puts-50-000-bounty-on-lawrence-bishnoi-aide-goldy-brar-after-charging-him-in-hardeep-nijjar-murder-case-1783477220291"> 'Most wanted': FBI puts $50,000 bounty on Lawrence Bishnoi aide Goldy Brar after charging him in Hardeep Nijjar murder case</a>&nbsp;Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). That ICJ ruling declared Israel's presence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to be an illegal occupation under international law.<h3>Ireland's stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza</h3>Ireland has always been among the staunch critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza in the wake of the deadly terror attack in October 2023 by Hamas militants on Israel, which was recognised as a Palestinian state in 2024. In response, the Foreign Minister of Israel, Gideon Saar, directed the closure of its Dublin embassy, accusing Ireland of “extreme anti-Israel policies”.&nbsp;Last month, Dublin barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering Ireland, citing their conduct toward pro-Palestinian activists. Additionally, Dublin has consistently advocated for a reassessment of the 1995 EU-Israel Association Agreement, which serves as the framework for trade relations between the European Union and Israel.&nbsp;While the EU recently announced it would explore strategies to curb trade with Israeli settlements, the bloc still lacks a broad consensus among its member states to enforce more stringent measures against Israel. Consequently, Ireland's unilateral import ban is largely symbolic and carries negligible economic weight; total trade with the targeted territories, consisting primarily of commodities like fruit, vegetables, and timber, amounted to less than one million euros ($1.1 million) between 2020 and 2024.

Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Irish parliament has passed legislation banning imports of goods from Israeli communities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, marking one of the most severe trade actions taken by a European nation against Israel. The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) bill bans products coming from goods coming from “certain Israeli settlements.” Those include residential, agricultural, and commercial operations situated outside of what it claims are Israel's internationally recognised borders. Although Ireland was the first nation to propose such a ban, Spain already implemented a package of import restrictions last October. Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). That ICJ ruling declared Israel's presence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to be an illegal occupation under international law. Also read: 'Most wanted': FBI puts $50,000 bounty on Lawrence Bishnoi aide Goldy Brar after charging him in Hardeep Nijjar murder case Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). That ICJ ruling declared Israel's presence in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to be an illegal occupation under international law. Ireland's stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza Ireland has always been among the staunch critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza in the wake of the deadly terror attack in October 2023 by Hamas militants on Israel, which was recognised as a Palestinian state in 2024. In response, the Foreign Minister of Israel, Gideon Saar, directed the closure of its Dublin embassy, accusing Ireland of “extreme anti-Israel policies”. Last month, Dublin barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering Ireland, citing their conduct toward pro-Palestinian activists. Additionally, Dublin has consistently advocated for a reassessment of the 1995 EU-Israel Association Agreement, which serves as the framework for trade relations between the European Union and Israel. While the EU recently announced it would explore strategies to curb trade with Israeli settlements, the bloc still lacks a broad consensus among its member states to enforce more stringent measures against Israel. Consequently, Ireland's unilateral import ban is largely symbolic and carries negligible economic weight; total trade with the targeted territories, consisting primarily of commodities like fruit, vegetables, and timber, amounted to less than one million euros ($1.1 million) between 2020 and 2024.

Ireland's centre-right coalition government, which authored the bill, stated that the text was structured around a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Ireland passes bill to ban imports from Israeli settlements in West Bank, East Jerusalem

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half." India and Ireland trade worth Euro 10 billion per year. On India's payments system, he pointed out, "Hugely impressive...Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones." During the India visit, he had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar as well. Here is the transcript:

WION: How do you see India as a market? And what kinds of dynamics do you see between trading relationships when it comes to India and Ireland?

Simon Coveney: We see India as a dynamic and huge growth market, there are very few economies in the world that are growing at the pace that we're seeing here in India. And so, from an Irish perspective, you know, we're a globalised economy already. And I think you're likely to see a lot of dynamic young Irish companies choosing to come to India, to build partnerships here to build opportunities here. I hope also we're going to see more Indian companies come to Ireland as a gateway into the European Union. As we see trade between India and the EU grow significantly in the years ahead and we are as you know, working at the moment on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which hopefully can be agreed upon at some point later this year, which can facilitate even more trade, but you know, coming from a relatively small country in the European Union, but a country by the way, that has a very similar history to India, in terms of a colonial past a struggle for independence, and now of course, building a technology-based growth economy. We, I think, can partner in a very dynamic way. And the meetings I've had this week with some of the largest companies in India, working with dynamic Irish companies, providing solutions in areas like financial technology in areas like cybersecurity, obviously a big industry around aviation which are very much part of here. There are huge opportunities for growth. So today, we have an annual trade between India and Ireland that's worth about 10 billion euros per year. But we think that we can create a much-much bigger trade relationship in the years ahead.

WION: So you mentioned about India, EU FTA how hopeful you are on that FTA because it has been years since the negotiations have been happening now &amp; both sides, EU and India go into election cycle. So any deadline, any challenges you look forward?

Simon Coveney: Well, look, I think we need to be pragmatic, and I think we need to be somewhat patient as well in the context of election cycles. You know, I think most people will realise that compromises aren't easily found in the weeks before elections happen. So the European Union has European elections in June. There's an election cycle just beginning here as well of course, in India. So, look, as a trading country in Ireland, we want to see an FTA happen, but I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half.

WION: India's payment system, you must have seen that how do you see it as an example of a cashless society?

Simon Coveney: Hugely impressive. I have to say you know, when I was walking to the streets of Mumbai, lots of street traders there and I was talking to some of them and it's a cashless society. Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones. Really impressive is what I'd say. And, you know, we have a lot of companies in Ireland that are focused actually on payment systems, digital platforms for payment systems, in terms of protections, against fraud and so on. And this is an area where we'd like to work with India together. I think we can learn a lot from you. And I think you can also potentially learn from some of the successes that our companies have had but it's an amazing digital transformation that we've seen, even basic trading now on the streets, is taking place on the back of secure digital platforms. Very impressive.

WION: So my last question to you is, you met with the Indian External Affairs Minister. The key issues today are the conflicts, one happening in Europe and happening in West Asia. What's your country's stance?

Simon Coveney: Well, look, first of all, can I say I, you know, I have huge time for your foreign minister. You know, I know him we've worked together on the UN Security Council. He's a very able operator and very respected internationally. So as you would expect, we had a good conversation in relation to the war on Gaza. We both want to see a ceasefire happen. We want to see a significant humanitarian aid effort getting to the civilian population of Gaza the desperately need that now. Ireland has been one of the most vocal European countries calling for a ceasefire. Of course, we have strongly condemned the terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on Israeli citizens on the seventh of October, that must be condemned. There is no excuse for it. But the war that has followed has taken an extraordinary toll, more than 30,000 people killed, many of them children and women. And really, we need to see an end to that sooner rather than later. And India is a powerful voice internationally and I hope can play their role. On Ukraine, also, an enormous human tragedy. You know, we're seeing Russian aggression, trying to change international borders by force. In Europe right now in Ukraine,&nbsp;hundreds of 1000s of people killed. Ireland and all countries in Europe are showing very strong solidarity with Ukraine as they tried to protect themselves and the sovereignty and integrity of their own country. And what I would say is that this is not just a European war. The world needs to take note of what's happening. If the international community doesn't stand up to powerful countries that are trying to change international borders by force of arms. Well, then I think we're in a very dangerous place, if that becomes a precedent that the world accepts, and that is why we've taken such a strong position to try to support Ukraine, to defend themselves. And I hope that that can be successful in time as well, India's voice is a powerful one in the context of that conflict.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half." India and Ireland trade worth Euro 10 billion per year. On India's payments system, he pointed out, "Hugely impressive...Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones." During the India visit, he had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar as well. Here is the transcript: WION: How do you see India as a market? And what kinds of dynamics do you see between trading relationships when it comes to India and Ireland? Simon Coveney: We see India as a dynamic and huge growth market, there are very few economies in the world that are growing at the pace that we're seeing here in India. And so, from an Irish perspective, you know, we're a globalised economy already. And I think you're likely to see a lot of dynamic young Irish companies choosing to come to India, to build partnerships here to build opportunities here. I hope also we're going to see more Indian companies come to Ireland as a gateway into the European Union. As we see trade between India and the EU grow significantly in the years ahead and we are as you know, working at the moment on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which hopefully can be agreed upon at some point later this year, which can facilitate even more trade, but you know, coming from a relatively small country in the European Union, but a country by the way, that has a very similar history to India, in terms of a colonial past a struggle for independence, and now of course, building a technology-based growth economy. We, I think, can partner in a very dynamic way. And the meetings I've had this week with some of the largest companies in India, working with dynamic Irish companies, providing solutions in areas like financial technology in areas like cybersecurity, obviously a big industry around aviation which are very much part of here. There are huge opportunities for growth. So today, we have an annual trade between India and Ireland that's worth about 10 billion euros per year. But we think that we can create a much-much bigger trade relationship in the years ahead. WION: So you mentioned about India, EU FTA how hopeful you are on that FTA because it has been years since the negotiations have been happening now & both sides, EU and India go into election cycle. So any deadline, any challenges you look forward? Simon Coveney: Well, look, I think we need to be pragmatic, and I think we need to be somewhat patient as well in the context of election cycles. You know, I think most people will realise that compromises aren't easily found in the weeks before elections happen. So the European Union has European elections in June. There's an election cycle just beginning here as well of course, in India. So, look, as a trading country in Ireland, we want to see an FTA happen, but I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half. WION: India's payment system, you must have seen that how do you see it as an example of a cashless society? Simon Coveney: Hugely impressive. I have to say you know, when I was walking to the streets of Mumbai, lots of street traders there and I was talking to some of them and it's a cashless society. Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones. Really impressive is what I'd say. And, you know, we have a lot of companies in Ireland that are focused actually on payment systems, digital platforms for payment systems, in terms of protections, against fraud and so on. And this is an area where we'd like to work with India together. I think we can learn a lot from you. And I think you can also potentially learn from some of the successes that our companies have had but it's an amazing digital transformation that we've seen, even basic trading now on the streets, is taking place on the back of secure digital platforms. Very impressive. WION: So my last question to you is, you met with the Indian External Affairs Minister. The key issues today are the conflicts, one happening in Europe and happening in West Asia. What's your country's stance? Simon Coveney: Well, look, first of all, can I say I, you know, I have huge time for your foreign minister. You know, I know him we've worked together on the UN Security Council. He's a very able operator and very respected internationally. So as you would expect, we had a good conversation in relation to the war on Gaza. We both want to see a ceasefire happen. We want to see a significant humanitarian aid effort getting to the civilian population of Gaza the desperately need that now. Ireland has been one of the most vocal European countries calling for a ceasefire. Of course, we have strongly condemned the terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on Israeli citizens on the seventh of October, that must be condemned. There is no excuse for it. But the war that has followed has taken an extraordinary toll, more than 30,000 people killed, many of them children and women. And really, we need to see an end to that sooner rather than later. And India is a powerful voice internationally and I hope can play their role. On Ukraine, also, an enormous human tragedy. You know, we're seeing Russian aggression, trying to change international borders by force. In Europe right now in Ukraine, hundreds of 1000s of people killed. Ireland and all countries in Europe are showing very strong solidarity with Ukraine as they tried to protect themselves and the sovereignty and integrity of their own country. And what I would say is that this is not just a European war. The world needs to take note of what's happening. If the international community doesn't stand up to powerful countries that are trying to change international borders by force of arms. Well, then I think we're in a very dangerous place, if that becomes a precedent that the world accepts, and that is why we've taken such a strong position to try to support Ukraine, to defend themselves. And I hope that that can be successful in time as well, India's voice is a powerful one in the context of that conflict.

Ireland Trade Minister Simon Coveney hopeful on India-EU FTA, lauds digital payments system

Irish people on Friday (Mar 8) overwhelmingly voted against amending the Irish Constitution, in a huge setback for the government. The referendums, whose results were declared late Saturday (Mar 9),&nbsp;would have altered the wording around family and home care in the country’s constitution. A whopping 67.7 per cent of people voted against extending legal benefits to families not based on the institution of marriage while 73.9 per cent of people said no to a proposed change in the role of women in the home.

<h2>Irish PM accepts defeat</h2>

The government had earlier urged people to vote in favour of the amendments and not to take a “step backwards.” Hours before the full results were announced, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar accepted&nbsp;government’s defeat.

“The family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated – defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout,” he said.

The sheer scale of rejection also came as a humiliation for opposition parties and advocacy groups who had joined hands with the government to support the changes.

The defeat even prompted calls for prominent campaign figures such as the children’s minister, Roderic O’Gorman, to resign. However, experts say the setback is not strong enough to shatter the ruling coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens.

<h2>The family amendment</h2>

The voters were asked whether or not they supported the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - otherwise known as the Family Amendment.

Watch:&nbsp;Maldives receives Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey to patrol maritime area

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-receives-bayraktar-tb2-drones-from-turkey-to-patrol-maritime-area-698399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Irish constitution presently provides legal safeguards for the family unit, but it associates family solely with marriage. The proposed amendment aimed to broaden the constitutional definition of family to include other enduring relationships, such as unmarried couples and single-parent households.

<h2>The care amendment</h2>

The voters were asked to accept or reject the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - or the Care Amendment.

Currently, the Irish constitution, known as Bunreacht na hÉireann, stipulates that mothers should not be compelled to prioritise work outside the home over their domestic responsibilities. It also emphasises the importance of women's roles within the home as a source of support to the state for the collective welfare.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiz4OmM2OiEAxVryDgGHXamBh4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-altman-will-return-to-openais-board-with-three-new-directors-698334" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-altman-will-return-to-openais-board-with-three-new-directors-698334&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz4OmM2OiEAxVryDgGHXamBh4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Sam Altman returns to OpenAI’s board with three new directors</a>

The proposed amendment sought to remove these provisions and introduce new language stating that the state should endeavour to support the provision of family-based care.

(With inputs from agencies)

Irish people on Friday (Mar 8) overwhelmingly voted against amending the Irish Constitution, in a huge setback for the government. The referendums, whose results were declared late Saturday (Mar 9), would have altered the wording around family and home care in the country’s constitution.

Irish people on Friday (Mar 8) overwhelmingly voted against amending the Irish Constitution, in a huge setback for the government. The referendums, whose results were declared late Saturday (Mar 9), would have altered the wording around family and home care in the country’s constitution. A whopping 67.7 per cent of people voted against extending legal benefits to families not based on the institution of marriage while 73.9 per cent of people said no to a proposed change in the role of women in the home. Irish PM accepts defeat The government had earlier urged people to vote in favour of the amendments and not to take a “step backwards.” Hours before the full results were announced, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar accepted government’s defeat. “The family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated – defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout,” he said. The sheer scale of rejection also came as a humiliation for opposition parties and advocacy groups who had joined hands with the government to support the changes. The defeat even prompted calls for prominent campaign figures such as the children’s minister, Roderic O’Gorman, to resign. However, experts say the setback is not strong enough to shatter the ruling coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens. The family amendment The voters were asked whether or not they supported the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - otherwise known as the Family Amendment. Watch: Maldives receives Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey to patrol maritime area × The Irish constitution presently provides legal safeguards for the family unit, but it associates family solely with marriage. The proposed amendment aimed to broaden the constitutional definition of family to include other enduring relationships, such as unmarried couples and single-parent households. The care amendment The voters were asked to accept or reject the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill - or the Care Amendment. Currently, the Irish constitution, known as Bunreacht na hÉireann, stipulates that mothers should not be compelled to prioritise work outside the home over their domestic responsibilities. It also emphasises the importance of women's roles within the home as a source of support to the state for the collective welfare. Also read: Sam Altman returns to OpenAI’s board with three new directors The proposed amendment sought to remove these provisions and introduce new language stating that the state should endeavour to support the provision of family-based care. (With inputs from agencies)

Ireland overwhelmingly rejects family and care amendment, govt accepts defeat in referendum

On Friday (March 8) Ireland will&nbsp;vote on constitutional amendments regarding family definitions and the role of women in the home, following campaigns that focused on ambiguous wording, mansplaining, and concerns over polygamy.

The proposed changes, named the family amendment and the care amendment, aim to modify Article 41 of the 1937 constitution of the EU member state.

The family amendment urges citizens to broaden the family definition beyond marriage, encompassing durable relationships like cohabiting couples and their children.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWtYX4jeKEAxV6S2cHHcqPD4s4ChAWegQIAxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kOO-RQiTSWiF3QCKDmDwY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254" target="_blank">From&nbsp;gender-equality&nbsp;to the participation of trans-athletes</a>

The care amendment suggests replacing outdated language concerning women in the home with a clause acknowledging care provided by family members to each other.

Orla O'Connor, the head of the National Women's Council of Ireland, sees the referendum, coinciding with International Women's Day, as a step toward greater equality in Ireland, emphasising the importance of equality for families and women, as well as recognising the value of care within the context of family.

Catherine Cox from Family Carers Ireland deems the 1937 references archaic and outdated, supporting a double Yes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPiJKJjuKEAxUBVmwGHZmQDy0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw22QzDPPdwIvMNCQAXaE5V_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463" target="_blank">'Women must accept it's a man's world': Taliban education minister</a>

Political scientist Yvonne Galligan sees the family amendment as a logical progression after previous referenda that ended constitutional restrictions on same-sex marriage (2015) and abortion (2018), diminishing the influence of the once-powerful Catholic Church.

<h2>In the balance</h2>

Despite initial support for a Yes-Yes vote from major political parties, polls have shown increasing concerns about the vagueness of the proposed changes.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar acknowledges the uncertainty, particularly regarding the definition of a durable relationship. Critics, like David Quinn of the Iona Institute, argue that confusion may lead to No votes, and removing terms like women and mothers from the constitution could also influence the outcome.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-equality-meet-japan-appoints-man-as-host-at-g7-meeting-on-womens-empowerment-609383">Gender equality meet? Japan sends a man as representative at G7 meeting on women’s empowerment</a>

Critics from both sides express reservations about the care amendment. Disability rights activist Maryam Madani believes it falls short by not adequately addressing care beyond family contexts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, conservative and far-right voices raise concerns about potential implications for polygamous relationships and increased immigration through migrant family reunions, claims denied by the government.

<h2>Not well-thought out</h2>

Yvonne Galligan suggests that the care amendment is more complex and may be more likely to receive a "No" vote. Some citizens express doubts about the well-thought-out nature of the questions, with opinions on whether responsibility for care should lie with families or the state.

The uncertainty leaves some voters, like Maria Garvey and Aidan Connolly, contemplating their choices, with Garvey questioning the emphasis on family responsibility for care and Connolly leaning towards a "Yes-Yes" vote without strong conviction.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday (March 8) Ireland will vote on constitutional amendments regarding family definitions and the role of women in the home, following campaigns that focused on ambiguous wording, mansplaining, and concerns over polygamy.

On Friday (March 8) Ireland will vote on constitutional amendments regarding family definitions and the role of women in the home, following campaigns that focused on ambiguous wording, mansplaining, and concerns over polygamy. The proposed changes, named the family amendment and the care amendment, aim to modify Article 41 of the 1937 constitution of the EU member state. The family amendment urges citizens to broaden the family definition beyond marriage, encompassing durable relationships like cohabiting couples and their children. In pics: From gender-equality to the participation of trans-athletes The care amendment suggests replacing outdated language concerning women in the home with a clause acknowledging care provided by family members to each other. Orla O'Connor, the head of the National Women's Council of Ireland, sees the referendum, coinciding with International Women's Day, as a step toward greater equality in Ireland, emphasising the importance of equality for families and women, as well as recognising the value of care within the context of family. Catherine Cox from Family Carers Ireland deems the 1937 references archaic and outdated, supporting a double Yes. Also read: 'Women must accept it's a man's world': Taliban education minister Political scientist Yvonne Galligan sees the family amendment as a logical progression after previous referenda that ended constitutional restrictions on same-sex marriage (2015) and abortion (2018), diminishing the influence of the once-powerful Catholic Church. In the balance Despite initial support for a Yes-Yes vote from major political parties, polls have shown increasing concerns about the vagueness of the proposed changes. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar acknowledges the uncertainty, particularly regarding the definition of a durable relationship. Critics, like David Quinn of the Iona Institute, argue that confusion may lead to No votes, and removing terms like women and mothers from the constitution could also influence the outcome. Also read: Gender equality meet? Japan sends a man as representative at G7 meeting on women’s empowerment Critics from both sides express reservations about the care amendment. Disability rights activist Maryam Madani believes it falls short by not adequately addressing care beyond family contexts. Meanwhile, conservative and far-right voices raise concerns about potential implications for polygamous relationships and increased immigration through migrant family reunions, claims denied by the government. Not well-thought out Yvonne Galligan suggests that the care amendment is more complex and may be more likely to receive a "No" vote. Some citizens express doubts about the well-thought-out nature of the questions, with opinions on whether responsibility for care should lie with families or the state. The uncertainty leaves some voters, like Maria Garvey and Aidan Connolly, contemplating their choices, with Garvey questioning the emphasis on family responsibility for care and Connolly leaning towards a "Yes-Yes" vote without strong conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

Ireland holds referendum on family and gender equality

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters.

Coastguard helicopters helped transport fire crews to remote locations to tackle the fire, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on their website.

Video shared with Reuters showed the fire burning on the slopes of the Mournes on Saturday morning itself.

As per local media, the blaze started on Friday (April 23) in Slieve Donard. This is the highest of the Mourne mountains

NIFRS has declared the fire a major incident. It has urged the public to stay away.

(With agency inputs)

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters.

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters. Coastguard helicopters helped transport fire crews to remote locations to tackle the fire, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on their website. Video shared with Reuters showed the fire burning on the slopes of the Mournes on Saturday morning itself. As per local media, the blaze started on Friday (April 23) in Slieve Donard. This is the highest of the Mourne mountains NIFRS has declared the fire a major incident. It has urged the public to stay away. (With agency inputs)

Mountain fire in Northern Ireland rages on third day

All the main unionist parties have demanded the resignation of Northern Ireland’s police chief over the controversy, claiming he has lost the confidence of their community.

U.K.’s Johnson ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Northern Ireland Violence

The Irish for Biden campaign was launched on Friday in County Louth, where Mr Biden's maternal great-grandparents immigrated from in the 1850's

US Election 2020: 'Irish For Biden' campaign launched in ancestral home

ireland-news

Ireland News, News on Ireland News, stories on Ireland News, articles on Ireland News, Ireland News stories at Wion, Ireland News news, Ireland News latest news

ireland news