Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last November I tabled a motion calling on the Government to initiate legislation to provide for a constitutional referendum to reduce the voting age to 16 years. Like many people I was disappointed to hear that the Government does not intend to hold a referendum to reduce the voting age to 16 years, as recommended by the Constitutional Convention. Will the Leader arrange a debate this term on how we can enfranchise young people if we are not willing to make more young people eligible to vote? How can young people be engaged in the political system if there does not seem to be a desire to give them voting rights? I understand that a referendum is not required to extend voting rights for local and European elections and we should explore this option. It is important to have the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the House to discuss the issue and how to get a whole new generation of voters engaged with us. It is often said that only older people get involved in politics. Anyone looking at the composition of the Members of the Houses would see there is a lot to be desired in terms of the age demographic. I am disappointed that the Government does not intend to hold a referendum on the matter in its term of office nor does it intend to hold referendums on some of the other matters proposed by the Constitutional Convention. It is important that this House should begin this discussion on how young people can be encouraged to engage with the political system and to engage in society in general.