The Minister for Equality has said he would have an “open mind” about creating a welfare payment for stay-at-home parents, if a referendum to change the reference to mothers in the constitution were passed.

However, there is currently no impediment that would require a change to the constitution.

Amid concerns that the new amendment on care would be legally meaningless, Roderic O’Gorman was not able to promise that the government’s wording would give carers the right to take the state to court for concrete socioeconomic supports.

Asked if he would support a new social welfare payment for stay-at-home parents, the minister said: “I’d certainly examine with an open mind any supports we can give to parents who are in the home. I would definitely look at that with an open mind. I think we need to do more there.”

At the moment, only married stay-at-home parents are entitled to a home carers credit – which is paid on their earning partner’s salary.