Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Crowe and Adams for their presentations on the proposed legislation, which I fully support. As someone who was a member of the diaspora for 19 years, I concur with the sentiments expressed by Senator Ó Clochartaigh. I was probably more Irish when I lived abroad that I was when I returned. We must progress the legislation speedily, while taking into consideration the need to ensure it is done right.

I also support the proposal to reduce the voting age to 16 years. We need to build an awareness campaign and provide for something similar to an apprenticeship. I have three children who are not much older than 16 years. Children aged between 16 and 18 years have an excellent opportunity in the school system and in their communities to become informed and politically active. While they contribute much more from the age of 18 years onwards, 16 years is an appropriate age to acquire the right to vote.

This proposal forms part of the modernisation of Ireland, which cannot happen fast enough. I fully support the legislation and I will do whatever is necessary to help Deputies Adams and Crowe to pursue it.