asked the Minister for Local Government when the Government intend introducing legislation to enable persons of 18 years of age to vote.
91.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Voting Age.
90.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the voting age limit in each country of the proposed enlarged EEC; and the date when the Government intends to introduce amending legislation to enable the exercise of the franchise at 18 years.
92.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the call by the European Parliament on 8th February, 1972 on all member States to lower the voting age to 18, he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91 and 92 together.
From the information available to to me, the minimum voting age at Parliamentary elections in each of the six EEC Member States and the four applicant States is a follows:
|
Belgium |
21 |
|
Denmark |
20 |
|
France |
21 |
|
Germany |
18 |
|
Ireland |
21 |
|
Italy |
21 |
|
Luxembourg |
18 |
|
Netherlands |
21 |
|
Norway |
20 |
|
United Kinsectom |
18 |
As already announced, the Government are in favour of reducing the voting age to 18. The approval of the people to the amendment of the Constitution will be necessary before the voting age can be reduced. I am not yet in a position to say when the necessary Constitution Amendment Bill will be introduced.
As he says the Government are in favour of this, would the Minister not agree that legislation should be introduced to enable people to vote at 18 years who want to vote at the local elections, the Presidential election and the referendum? This can be done by legislation.
The Government have decided not to introduce any legislation governing the voting age for local elections in advance of the decision by the people in the referendum on the voting age for general elections.
Would the Minister say if that is really important now with regard to local elections? Will it matter if it is not introduced until next year? Has the Minister no reply to that?
No.