Tipperary TD Deputy Alan Kelly is urging the Government to bring forward a referendum to end discrimination against unmarried families. Mr Kelly’s call comes in response to the situation of Toomevara man Johnny O’Meara and the lack of available supports for him and his three children following the death of his partner, Michelle Batey, in 2021.
An estimated 75,000(2016 census) cohabiting couples in Ireland could find themselves in a similar situation and the Nenagh based TD says it is time for the law to reflect the modern reality of family units. Mr O’Meara is not able to avail of a Widower’s Pension because the couple were not married. Deputy Kelly now wants a referendum to remove the priority given to the ‘marital family’ in the constitution saying all families should be treated equally.
Cohabiting parents are assessed as a unit if either of them apply for social welfare support but their marital status prevents them from accessing the widow’s grant and pension. Mr O’Meara has taken a case against the State which is currently before the Supreme Court.
