Ms Caitlin Thompson:

I thank members for their feedback. It was interesting to hear their side of things.

I would like to address Senator Ó Donnghaile’s comment regarding my posing the question to the committee on lowering the voting age to 16. It is a controversial topic and everyone has their opinion. However, when we look at it, it is our futures that we are affecting. The Senator asked when it should be and whether it should be like the Scotland referendum. It is important now. It is important that we weigh in, which I mentioned in my statement. It is more important because we have the abilities. Maturity might be a question, but we are here today representing young people. We would not be here today if we did not want that constitutional change. By representing ourselves, we prove that we have the ability to be part of voting society and democracy.

I also wish to address Senator Boyhan’s point on identity. Identity is important in our world and we see that. Every young person and member in this room has their own identity. Identity is your characteristics, how you treat other people, how you converse with other people, how you benefit the world in a better way and how you contribute to society in a way that you can develop and engage others. Identity is the most important aspect in our conversation on constitutional change.

Regarding united Ireland, we all have our identity and that is important. Looking at each other, we can see past religion or race and see each other for who we are and what we do.