Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am deaf so I cannot hear the Senator. I would like to see participation at as early an age as possible. I think 16 is a good age to start. My colleague Senator Cummins made the point that he came from an education background; so too did I. I travelled the length and breadth of the country as president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland, TUI, and I learned how advanced children are from the age of 13 or 14. I am not afraid of 16-year-olds going into a polling booth and voting. I watched my kids growing up and when they started to drive; they were more conscientious about driving than ever I was at their age. I have no fears. It is a good Bill, so what is my reason for being here? My reason is kicking the can down the road until 1 July 2024 - what the hell is that about? It gets us past the local elections. Senator Warfield brought this up. I think he said it was in 2016 that I was here and spoke in favour of it then. He has constantly brought it back. It is time to stop kicking the can down the road. Deal with it and move the Bill through both Houses. Nobody will die. We may finish up with one or two latchikos elected but look around the House. There are a few of them already here. I may be one myself.