Social security provisions in the Constitution of Ireland

Country: Ireland
Year: 2013

Relevant articles:

  • The Family – Article 41

1(2°) The State, therefore, guarantees to protect the Family in its constitution and authority, as the necessary basis of social order and as indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State.

2(2°) The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.

  • Directive Principles of Social Policy – Article 45

4(1°) The State pledges itself to safeguard with especial care the economic interests of the weaker sections of the community, and, where necessary, to contribute to the support of the infirm, the widow, the orphan, and the aged.

Link to compendium “The right to Social Security in European Constitutions: Compendium of provisions of European Constitutions related to the right to social security”

Link to Irish constitution (English and Irish)

Link to national study

Social Protection and Human Rights