Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 58, motion 10, be taken today. The motion was tabled on the Order Paper on 12 November requesting the Government to initiate legislation as a matter of urgency to provide for a constitutional referendum to reduce the voting age to 16 for all elections. I decided to propose my amendment in light of the Cabinet's announcement yesterday to hold a referendum next May on same-sex marriage and on the reduction of the age of candidates eligible to run for President. We have not yet got any indication as to when the referendum on reducing the voting age to 16 will take place. This issue is very topical at present. Government sources confirm that the decision to hold a referendum on reducing the age of presidential candidates is part of a drive to make the Presidency more relevant to younger people. That is important but extending the voting franchise to younger people is also important. We need an indication as soon as possible as to when the referendum in this regard will take place.

In recent days, it was announced that the voting age in Scotland is to be lowered to include 16- and 17-year olds after Mr. David Cameron offered to introduce speedily new electoral powers for the Scottish Parliament. That gives added impetus and momentum to the Irish Government to initiate legislation to hold a referendum. It is important that we do so. I fear that it will not be provided for in time for the next general election, perhaps next year. Alternatively, it might not be possible to work out in time the logistics of ensuring young people are able to register for the next general election. I am moving my amendment because it is important that this House put pressure on the Government to ensure the referendum will happen as soon as possible and that it will not be put on the back boiler. We should give more young people a voice.