I thank Deputies for their contributions this afternoon. I echo the comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, and his thanks to Deputy Farrelly for tabling this Bill and raising an important issue. The debate has presented a useful opportunity to discuss the age at which people would be entitled to vote in elections and referendums in Ireland and provided much to consider as we move forward on this issue. I join others in welcoming so many students to the Gallery. It is great to see the engagement. You are more than welcome to Leinster House. As Deputies are aware, this Bill proposes to amend the Constitution in order to lower the age at which persons are entitled to vote in Dáil Éireann elections from 18 years to 16 years. This amendment to reduce the voting age in Dáil elections would have the consequential effect of reducing the voting age of presidential and local elections, as well as referendums. The right to vote in these elections is linked, under the Constitution, to the right to vote in elections to Dáil Éireann. Any Bill such as this one which proposes to amend the Constitution must be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and a referendum is then held. In his earlier contribution, the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, outlined the reasons the Government is seeking the Second Stage reading of the Bill to be deferred. It is proposed to amend the motion for the Second Stage reading of this Bill, whereby the Bill would be read a Second Time in 12 months' time to allow for further consideration of the Bill. I understand that the research to be done by An Coimisiún Toghcháin will certainly be done within that 12-month period. I felt that was important to state. The reasons are as follows. The issue of the voting age is currently being examined, as I said, by An Coimisiún Toghcháin as part of its research programme from 2024 to 2026. I understand that work will be concluded within the next year. That links in with the amendment to the motion tabled by the Government. The Government is of the view that supporting this Bill outright would be premature in advance of An Coimisiún Toghcháin having reported on the issue. In addition, it is important to ensure consistency across all electoral codes. The Bill only lowers the age of voting to 16 in Dáil elections and consequently at presidential and local elections, as well as referendums. It does not lower the voting age for elections to the European Parliament and to Seanad Éireann through the Seanad higher education constituency. Further legislative change would have to be made to the Local Elections Act, Presidential Election Act, Seanad election Acts, Referendum Act and European Parliament Election Act. These amendments are largely technical in nature but would have to be implemented nevertheless. As we are aware, there is much to consider with regard to the proposal to lower the voting age. Lessons from other countries should be considered. Experience elsewhere has shown that it is not enough to reduce the voting age and expect that positive benefits will flow. To have the desired effect of promoting participation and democratic engagement, legislation must be supported through education. This is the message coming from the experience in other countries, such as Austria and Scotland, which many have referred to today. In no way do I doubt the engagement of the people and students in the Gallery today. An Coimisiún Toghcháin has an important role to play in this regard. The Electoral Act 2022 gives the commission a broad public education role, working to promote public awareness of and increase public participation in the State's electoral and democratic processes via information and education campaigns. This element of an coimisiún's work can help to encourage young people to engage with our electoral processes. I understand that this year the commission has been developing an education and public engagement strategy. This is being informed by a public consultation process. I understand that a strategy will be completed in the first half of 2026 and I have no doubt that work under the strategy will contribute to young people's level of connection with democratic processes. Indeed, I ask civil groups and organisations across the country that are working with young people to encourage them to participate in our elections and in politics. Public participation is the lifeblood of a democracy. We must do all we can to encourage new generations to appreciate this to keep our democracy healthy and strong. As already outlined, in Ireland the issue of lowering the minimum age to 17 was debated by the Convention on the Constitution in 2013. Out of that came a result that 52% of the assembled citizens and parliamentarians favoured reducing the minimum voting age for elections. Changing the minimum age to 16 was favoured by 48% of participants, compared with 39% who favoured lowering the age to 17. At that time, 68% of participants opposed lowering the minimum voting age for some types of elections but not all, with 28% of participants supporting lowering it for some electoral events but not all. While there are differing views on the subject, we believe the Electoral Commission is well placed to look at issues like this, which are complex and nuanced, and where there are international comparisons. As already stated, it would be premature to support the progression of this Bill in advance of An Coimisiún Toghcháin concluding its work on the issue to which it relates. We believe it is prudent to allow this work to be completed prior to bringing forward any further reform proposals. As stated, I understand that this work will be completed within the next 12 months, which is very much in keeping with the amendment put down by the Government. Our debate this evening has served a useful purpose. I appreciate the contributions of all speakers. I look forward to discussing this matter further at a future date. I will close by stating that the Government amendment seeks that the Second Reading be deferred for 12 months to allow further consideration of the Bill.

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