Proposed Legislation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2009

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Ceisteanna (380)

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

396 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to introduce legislation to have the qualification age for presidential candidates lowered from 35 years to 21 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24483/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Article 12.4.1 of the Constitution provides that a citizen must be 35 years of age to be eligible for election to the office of President. A lowering of the qualification age would require a constitutional amendment and there are no current proposals in this regard.