Ms Justice Marie Baker

An Coimisiún Toghcháin has taken on the role previously held by the Referendum Commission to deliver the public information campaign for the two referendums focused on care, and the family.

It has unveiled an information booklet which will be printed and sent to 2.3 million homes across the State before the vote. The booklet does not take any side, but sets out what is being proposed in, and the legal effect of, the two votes.

The Commission has also launched its referendum website offering information on the 8 March votes and about voting.

Ms Justice Marie Baker, chair of An Coimisiún Toghcháin and judge of the Supreme Court, spoke this morning to a gathering of students at the launch, held on TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus.

She will now take part in an initial series of campaign information visits in Tullamore, Newbridge, Sligo and Galway, meeting with factory workers, community sports groups, arts groups and members of the Traveller community.

Ms Justice Baker said: “These two referendums offer people a choice to maintain or to change how our Constitution firstly recognises the concept of the family unit, and secondly recognises of the role played by people, who care for their family members.

“These are two important votes which will help shape our future laws and court decisions.

“It’s our role, as Ireland’s independent electoral commission to ensure people have access to independent, clear and accessible information about these referendums to help them decide their vote.

“We’re already rolling out our independent information campaign on TV, Radio, online, in newspapers and will be delivering an information booklet to every home in the country ahead of polling day on 8 March.

“Your vote is your voice — so use it to have your say on 8 March, or else others will be deciding for you.”