asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the recent introduction of the right to vote at 18 in general elections in the Six County area, the Government propose to initiate proposals in relation to the granting of the vote at 18 years of age in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting Age.
28.
I have nothing to add to my reply to questions on this subject on the 7th November last.
Could the Minister explain what exactly is the viewpoint of the Government as it would seem that in general young people in the north of Ireland will be given the right to vote at 18 and it would seem that we should keep pace with that development in the north? What extraordinary decision impels the Government not to aid a similar development in this part of the country?
The Government have not considered holding a referendum on this.
Why not?
It is not urgent.
Does the Minister not think it would be deplorable if Stormont Minister are able to say "We have been criticised for a lack of civil rights but in the 26 Counties people cannot vote at 18 but they can here"? Does the Minister not think that this is a deplorable situation?
That is one of the results of the Constitution of Ireland not applying in that part of our country.
It looks as if the Constitution of the north should apply here.
Did you not promise to have it apply when you got in first?