Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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855.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the research in relation to lowering the voting age to 16 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35303/24]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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856.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the proposed debate on the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Vote at 16) Bill 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35304/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent Electoral Commission, was established on 9 February 2023 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Part 2 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function will see it carry out research on electoral policy and procedure.

An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin published its inaugural Research Programme 2024-2026 on 10 July 2024. Its research programme includes a commitment to examine the issue of a possible reduction in the voting age. This policy area will be reviewed by my Department once An Coimisiún has considered and reported on the issue.

The Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Vote at 16) Bill 2021 is a Private Members Bill and its progress is a matter for the sponsor of the Bill and the Oireachtas.