Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I look forward to seeing Deputy Gould on TikTok. Certainly, however, he highlighted the fact the online space is changing. From our communications as politicians, online platforms are vitally important to reach out to all ages, be it TikTok or Instagram. They are all valid and useful platforms to send out positive messaging. I look forward to following Deputy Gould's account on Instagram.

I agree with the Deputy. He made an excellent point with regard to the engagement of young people around Black Lives Matter and the climate change Fridays for Future movement. As I said, we would like to see the commission examine the possibility of reducing the voting age to 16. It has been tested in other jurisdictions with some positive experiences and some not so positive. We would, therefore, like to collate that and bring it together. It is possible for the Minister to reduce the voting age to 16 for the local elections only, but I do not believe it is fair to test it on one electoral event. It is far better that the commission, in its early stages, would be tasked to research and put together a report to furnish to the Oireachtas and to me, or whoever the Minister is, making recommendations on reducing the voting age. I have my own views. I certainly would love to see it reduced to 16 years but it must be done in a fair and balanced way that has broad political and societal support.

The preregistration of young people, that is, 16 and 17-years-olds, is a very positive development. The commission will do a bigger job of work, however. Its function will expand over time and the research advocacy, furnishing of reports and so forth will contribute positively.

The point has been made by other Deputies and Senators about the need for ongoing and constant promotion of our political processes and system to ensure people are educated. It is not just young people. Many people our age are not terribly well up on political systems either. It is crucial there is ongoing promotion of our democracy and of the importance of voting and engagement in our political system. That is important. I believe the commission has an important role to play in that regard.