asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation at an early date to grant full legal capacity at the age of 18 years; and, if not, why.
Written Answers. - Age of Full Legal Capacity.
165.
Legislation dealing with the age of full legal capacity will be introduced in due course. However, I can hold out no hope of introducing this legislation in the near future having regard to the many complex issues involved and to the demands of more urgent legislation. Section 77 of the Succession Act, 1965, already provides that a person who has reached the age of 18 years, or is or has been married, and is of sound disposing mind may make a valid will. Moreover, the Marriages Bill—now before the Seanad—proposes that the normal minimum age for marriage shall be 16 years, and, if a Government amendment is accepted, the age—at present 21—under which the consent of parents or guardians is required for the solemnisation of a marriage, will be lowered to 18.