I thank Deputy Farrelly for all of the hard work he has done. I also thank all the Deputies who have spoken, particularly those on whose work we build. As we have heard, this is not our first time at this rodeo. This issue has been discussed many times here and on the floor of the Seanad. That is why I hope the Government can understand our frustration and disappointment with the timed amendment. It is just kicking the can down the road. If this research and these conversations need to happen, surely they should have been happening on the multiple occasions on which this matter, in its many iterations, has been brought before the Government in recent decades. The key points I want to make are that young people know their own minds, are crucial voices in policymaking and lead the way on many issues. I am sure many of those in the Chamber today have had similar experiences. As a TD, I have spoken to many senior cycle classes in my constituency. What always strikes me is that they are engaged, informed, critical and thoughtful. Never mind what happens on the plinth or in this Chamber; the real hot seat in this job is a classroom full of 16-year-olds who want you to answer their questions. They bring a fresh perspective, which is informed and critically engages with the rhetoric they are presented with. It is not just a case of copying what their parents or friends think. They are people with opinions and with skin in the game, and their ability to engage with our democratic process needs to be supported and expanded. I welcome all of the representatives from youth bodies who are here today. We have consistently heard from organisations like the ISSU and the National Youth Council as to how important it is to include the voices of young people in law and policy. It is not about engaging on our terms. It is also not just about engaging on youth policy. Young people have a lot to say on all of the issues society faces, not just what we decide are youth issues. We cannot say that we want young, active citizens and then insist, when it comes to big decisions, that they have no real say. On climate, on Palestine, on economic justice and, which is particularly heartening for me, on neutrality and peace, young people are leading the way. This Bill is about including their views and voices in our democratic system. It is not about tucking them away at the kids table and only allowing them to speak when spoken to, but place them on an equal footing with all citizens. Cloistear go minic an frása "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí". Tá níos mó ná moladh ag teastáil, áfach. Caithfidh muid meas a bheith againn ar dhaoine óga agus glór a thabhairt dóibh nach bhfuil faoi smacht nó faoi bhráid duine ar bith. Tá muid ag cur oideachais saoránachta orthu agus, mar sin, ba chóir dúinn caitheamh leo mar shaoránaigh, ní mar lucht féachana ar an tsochaí. Is é sin atá i gcroílár an Bhille seo.

Sentiment score: 0.11