Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá an-áthas orm an Bille seo de chuid Shinn Féin a phlé sa Dáil. Léiríonn sé na gnéithe is fearr de chur chuige mo pháirtí. Is iad sin an dóchas, an oscailteacht agus an fáilte roimh shaoránaigh uile na tíre.

This Sinn Féin Private Members' Bill represents the very best of that for which the party stands, namely, representation for all citizens of Ireland and openness to and a valuing of our young people and those who have left Ireland in search of work across the globe. We aim to amend Article 2.2 of the Constitution to allow the voting age for presidential elections to be lowered to 16. We also want to introduce votes in presidential elections for citizens in the North and those living beyond the shores of Ireland.

In July 2012, the Government established the Constitutional Convention. In September 2013, the convention met to discuss presidential voting rights for citizens resident outside the State and all citizens in the North of Ireland. The result of the ballot vote at the end of the session was that a clear majority of Constitutional Convention members favoured a change to the Constitution to give citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in presidential elections, with 78% in favour, 21% against and 1% undecided. On voting rights being extended to citizens in the North, there was also a clear majority, with 73% in favour, 20% against and 7% undecided. Despite this clear support for an extension of voting rights, the Government has so far failed to bring any report forward to the Dáil and Seanad in this regard. I must admit that I am disappointed - not surprised perhaps - by the statement by An Taoiseach that he feels this issue is one with which the next Government should deal. If that is the case, I hope that he will not be a member of that Government and will thereby be prevented from further fudging the issue.

Regarding younger voters being welcomed into the electorate, this would increase voter turnout, particularly among those in the 18 to 24 age group. This would help make the Dáil more representative of our younger generation. There is also evidence that a reduction in voting age increases voter turnout in general. This must be viewed as a positive. Across the world there are 115 countries and territories that have varying systems to allow their emigrant citizens the right to vote. We should join this group that extends its franchise, widens its potential and allows all to take part in the democratic process. Many of those to whom I refer in the context of this country have been driven away by the failed policy of nationalising debt and pushing the burden onto all citizens which has been pursued by the current Government and that which preceded it.

During the past five years, various Governments, including the one currently in office, stood by while 240 people left the State each day. A total of 40,000 people emigrated in the past five years, which is a terrible scandal. We must do more to let them know that their skills, qualities, ambitions and spirit are valued and needed, now more than ever. We must invite them to take part in helping us to build a republic for all who know this island as home. Why would the Government oppose this? These are provisions that enjoy wide popular support and, as already stated, that are available in numerous jurisdictions. Why is the Government opposed to that? The answer is that it is afraid of giving rights to the Irish all across the world and concerned about the response they might receive if they give a voice to those citizens who were effectively exiled. The answer they might hear is that such people are no longer happy with the same old narrow definition of politics and no longer satisfied with the same old dance which, like that in the song "Lanigan's Ball", involves Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil stepping out while the other steps in again.

Ireland has changed. This Bill will help our democracy to change and grow. It will also allow the Irish across the globe to contribute to it. Sinn Féin urges the Government to accept the Bill and ensure its transition through the Houses of the Oireachtas in order that we might hold a referendum that would be of great importance to all the people of Ireland, not least those who have been obliged to leave this island through the years. Iarraim ar gach Teachta tacú leis an mBille seo.

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