Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted, on behalf of the Green Party, to support the Bill brought forward by Senators Warfield and Mac Lochlainn and the Civil Engagement Senator, Lynn Ruane. It is perfect timing for the people of Ireland who are 16 years of age. I have full confidence in their ability to process information and vote in European and local elections. The school years of transition year, fifth year and sixth year are a perfect time to bring our young people of Ireland into the whole process of voting. Therefore, I cannot understand why Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will stop this process or why, as some of my colleagues have said, they will kick it to touch and throw it back into another committee. What exactly is the problem?

I believe in the people of Ireland, the students, those involved in so many different committees, those who campaign and go out door to door canvassing for different parties and Independents at the age of 16 and those who went out around my home town of Tramore - my own daughters, in fact - at the age of 15 and 16, canvassing for marriage equality. I urge the House to give the people, the students, those at the age of 16 the choice and the chance and allow them to vote in the European and local elections. I really do not understand what some Members' problem is. The Green Party fully supports this legislation, and I hope Fianna Fáil will consider its position and support it also.