Electoral Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017

Wednesday, 12 July 2017

Questions (486)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

486. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the position regarding the work of his Department in extending voting rights to persons of 16 and 17 years of age further to his commitment given in Seanad Éireann during the debate on the Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016 on 24 March 2017 that he would engage in further deliberation and discussion with interested parties and organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33509/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016 provides for amendments to sections 9 and 10 of the Electoral Act 1992 in order to reduce, to sixteen years, the age at which a person would be entitled to register to vote at local and European elections.

The issues that arise in considering a reduction in the voting age more generally, and not just for local and European elections, are being examined in my Department.  Matters for consideration include the potential concerns that arise in having the age of majority set at 18 years and the voting age set at 16.

Question No. 487 answered with Question No. 473.