Vol. 259 No. 14
I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to extend the franchise in local elections to persons who have reached the age of eighteen years.
This is in my name and that of Deputy Hogan. As work commences in September on the electoral register for 1973, it is essential that this legislation be enacted before the summer recess.
Is the first Stage opposed?
Yes. What the Deputy said is not correct.
I think the Minister is entitled to have his say as well.
The Government intend to hold a referendum on the question of whether persons should be entitled to a vote from the age of 18 years onwards. It is intended to hold that referendum in the autumn and if the people decide to grant votes at 18 in the referendum there will be ample time to include persons of that age and upwards on the register which will come into force on the 15th April, 1973.
Will you hold a referendum and a general election in the same year?
Will the referendum be confined exclusively to the granting of votes at 18? As far as I understand it the Private Members' Bill will give the franchise to people at 18 by an Act of Parliament and there is no need for a referendum at all.
There is no need at all for a referendum.
It is the Government's decision and I have announced in the Dáil already that a referendum will be held to decide the voting age for general elections. If the decision is in favour of granting votes at 18, it is the Government's intention to grant votes at 18 for all elections. It would require legislation and this would be introduced following the referendum which it is intended to hold in the autumn.
Will the referendum be confined exclusively to votes at 18 or will there be other constitutional amendments?
That has not yet been decided.
Has it been definitely decided to have a referendum on votes at 18 this year?
We have decided to do that, yes.
Under Standing Order 89 (2) the debate is adjourned until the next day on which Private Members' Business is taken.
