Seanad debates

Friday, 26 March 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today is the national independence day for Bangladesh; in fact, it is the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence. I commend the Limerick councillor, Abul Kalam Azad Talukder, on his organisation of a series of events today to mark the contribution of the Bangladeshi community here in Ireland.

We have often discussed in these Houses the impact of the Covid pandemic on young people and we have heard it again today. In our recovery it is essential that we hear the voices of young people. As part of our recovery, we should make this the best little country in the world in which to be a young person or to grow up. That means resourcing our youth organisations and the volunteers who work with young people but also encouraging and empowering young people who want to get involved in activism or politics. We need to look at strengthening our student councils, further empowering Comhairle na nÓg and hearing the student voice in the debates on education and leaving certificate reform.

I particularly salute the youth wings of all our political parties. Labour Youth played a significant role in the Bill relating to the naturalisation of minors which will be taken this afternoon. I know that Young Fine Gael is currently electing its new officers and I congratulate Art O'Mahony on his election as president. The Leader will not be surprised that I am going to celebrate the contribution of Ógra Fianna Fáil, which holds its national conference online this weekend where young men and women will debate issues and elect officers, and will influence my party's policies and those of the Government.

I pay tribute to the outgoing president, Tom Cahill, and all his officers. They have campaigned on issues such as period poverty, access to student grants for asylum seekers, the cost of motor insurance, and an all-island education and research system. They have also campaigned to reduce the voting age to 16 in European and local elections in 2024. I am happy to propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 10 be taken before No. 1. We need to look for ways to actively encourage young people to participate as fully as possible in our society, and giving young people the right to vote in the local and European elections in 2024 is a way to go about it.

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