Mr. Michael McLoughlin:

Legislators could decide to permit voting at 16 for the next European and local elections without a constitutional referendum. Therefore, if they want to see how it works, they could try it out then. That power exists and there is no need for constitutional change. The Constitution only covers Dáil and presidential elections. That is an idea and initiative that could be tested in the field. If we go for voting rights at 16, everyone will get registered, because it will be done through school. Therefore, young people would not have to go through the current obstacle course to get registered. Everyone would register and vote in school and the turnout would be quite high.