Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The church is to blame. It is its fault. It was interesting that, at an even younger age than that, we began very early to question things and feel a sense of right and wrong, injustice and justice and all the rest of it. It also struck me that many of the parties represented in the Chamber, including that of the Minister of State, allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote at their Ard-Fheiseanna and conferences to decide and craft party policy, but those young people cannot then vote for people more generally in society who will advocate that policy on their behalf and on behalf of the broader society. That is an interesting wee anomaly and dynamic.

Senator Moynihan is right in the points she made. This issue is doable within this legislation. It is doable to give 16- and 17-year-olds the vote in local and European elections within this Bill, given the amendments we are tabling. A political commitment is important. I do not diminish that in any way, but Senator Boylan has asked that the Minister of State meet with Senator Warfield to talk out some of the nuance of this issue to ensure we get it right.The following is not directed at the Minister of State, but in keeping with the religious theme, people sometimes say more than their prayers. We cannot leave this in the lap of the gods, if the Cathaoirleach will forgive the pun. We must ensure we get this right. It is doable. There are other stages left in this process. Let us bank and welcome the Minister of State's genuine and sincere commitment to this issue. However, as we move forward in this process, we must ensure we do what we are elected to this Chamber to do. Let us ensure we legislate for change. In this case, the change is positive, necessary, welcome and important. I respect the Minister of State and look forward to hearing what he is going to say. I would also like us to return to our work, to fulfilling our obligations to young people and broader society to ensure this legislation is bettered and improved upon because it can be. I will listen to what the Minister of State has to say. I hope that in the course of his contribution he can commit to engaging with Senator Warfield on these amendments and we will see what happens on the next Stages, beyond today.