A report into discrimination against women has recommended the Government set out a timeline on holding a referendum on the removal of a provision in the constitution which, the authors say, perpetuates stereotypical attitudes.
The report by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission says it notes repeated calls at both national and international level to amend or remove Article 41.2.
It states: "In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved. 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".
The report also says women in direct provision are among the most marginalised and says it is clear the system negatively impacts on a wide range of women's rights.
The commission, it says, was struck during visits to direct provision centres by reports of harassment experienced by female residents including verbal abuse and proposition.
It also reports that the gender pay gap of 14% and the gender pension gap of 38% remain to be addressed.
The commission also reports that between 2008 and 2014, Government funding to women's organisations was cut by 49%.
On abortion, it says it remains concerned that the current legal position puts in place barriers which impede a woman's right to bodily autonomy and has a disproportionate negative impact on certain groups of women.
However, it says in the last 12 years, there has been considerable positive legal, policy and institutional developments in the protection of women against discrimination.
The Tánaiste is due to go before a UN committee in Geneva next week to discuss the issues.
