Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 11 May 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Europe Day and the European Year of Youth 2022: Engagement with Comhairle na nÓg

Mr. Leo Galvin:

Lowering the voting age would certainly force politicians to consider a young person's point of view and recognise young people's problems, because if such a change was made to the law, it would encompass a large portion of the electorate. Young people would be listened to much more because their voices would matter more to politicians if they were being told they can vote for them now and, therefore, they have to appeal to that cohort.

On neutrality, I believe very strongly that Ireland should remain completely neutral. Warmongering is not something that is positive. In our country’s history we have experienced what war and fighting result in. It is not long ago that we had the effects of a war, or an unconventional war, occurring on the Irish isle. I would strongly say that Ireland should remain neutral in all senses of the word.