Why I’m voting Yes: Carers have a right to be valued and recognised

WHEN I think about our country the word care comes to mind as we are very caring and compassionate people, writes Sinead Tighe.

In the referendum I will be voting yes on the care amendment.

This is my opinion and how I interpret the wording in relation to my current situation and the complexities of caring for my son for the last 16 years.

There are a lot of conversations happening at the moment about caring in the home and the wording being used as not being strong enough.

I really welcome these conversations and I respect everyone’s opinion as this is the first time we are really getting to debate on how important carers are and the need to recognise and value the work that we do.

There are many different examples of caring in the home. It can be looking after a child with a disability/ illness or caring for an ageing parent with an illness.

The care can be given by many different people. It could be mother, father, relative brother or sister.

We will all care at sometime in our life and we all deserve to be supported and recognised.

The word care has value for me as it’s all about giving my son the best quality of life and identity within the community and fighting for vital services.

As a carer we don’t currently get the support we need we feel isolated and unheard within society.

The proposed amendment wording “The State recognises the provision of care” To me this will mean that I will be recognised for my caring role.

I will be a valued member of society this will give me a voice and allow my lived experience to be heard which will help implement change.

There is no mention of care within the constitution currently which really means we are left out.

I look at the wording now and look forward to the new proposal to allow for a brighter future for those being cared for.

The state many years ago institutionilised those that were vulnerable and with disabilities.

We have come so far over the years to now having them being cared for at home where possible, being part of their community having rights and more importantly being valued.

I need the same, I choose to care for my son at home with me where he is loved and is given dignity with all that we do for him.

I’m not saying it’s not hard but when I don’t have the right services equipment or respect for what I do this is where I feel the strain.

I come to the most controversial part of the wording which is “ and shall strive to support such a provision”.

There is a lot that is being said about the word “strive” that it has no strength that there could have been better words to use.

I would think strive places an onus on the state and all future governments to do more to support carers access services obtain the necessary equipment and the proper financial support to care within the home.

It would also recognise the rights of carers. It’s important to remember this is for all governments now and in the future.

We as the people have the right to vote for what we feel is for the best within our constitution and who we want to represent us to ensure to deliver the same. I have strived to give my son everything he needs, the quality of life he deserves and the identity he now holds within my community.

That’s the standard that should be held by the state for all carers and who they are caring for.

This is a stepping stone in the right direction for change.

I don’t believe things will happen overnight there will be a lot to overcome in the coming years.

It will however give a stronger platform to advocate for those vital services and will also allow for change in policy. It is time for the state to recognise, value all carers and those being cared for and allow for a more equal inclusive and accessible society.

Why I’m voting No: The referendum ‘undermines the concept of family’ – Saoirse Ní Chonarain, Aontú candidate for Tallaght central, writes an opinion pieces on why she is voting No on Thursday, March 8.