Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) has advised its members to vote no in the upcoming referendum on care to “not sideline the needs and voices of individuals with disabilities”.

The group called for a yes vote in the family referendum to recognise “durable relationships”.

In a letter, the union said the referendum to replace Article 41.2 does not “foster a truly inclusive and equitable society”.

The letter said the wording “takes a narrow view of carers, pertaining solely to family, and completely disregards the needs of people with disabilities”.

“This is a massive oversight on part of the government, and in light of further recent developments, such as the flawed Green Paper on Disability Reform, is no surprise.”

The letter also said the new article would allow the state to “shirk any legal responsibility” to provide resources and support services for people with disabilities.

“We need to vote no on the care referendum to ensure stronger rights from the government – ones based on enforceable, rights-based wording, not vague promises.”

TCDSU is the only student union in Ireland so far to take a stance on the March 8 referendums.

TCDSU endorse #YesNo vote in upcoming family and care referendums