Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Tairgim:

GO ndéanfar an ráiteas atá leagtha amach sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Rún seo a fhorordú mar eolas do vótálaithe, de bhun alt 23 d’Acht an Reifrinn, 1994 (Uimh. 12 de 1994), i ndáil leis an togra chun an Bunreacht a leasú, atá ar áireamh sa Bhille um an gCúigiú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Aois Intofachta chun Oifig an Uachtaráin), 2015, agus is ábhar do reifreann bunreachta.

An Sceideal

Fiafraítear díot sa reifreann seo an aontaíonn tú leis an togra chun Airteagal 12.4.1° den Bhunreacht a leasú chun an aois ag a bhfuil saoránach intofa chun oifig an Uachtaráin a laghdú ó 35 bliana (mar atá faoi láthair) go dtí 21 bhliain.

MÁ THOILÍONN TÚ leis an togra, cuir X os coinne an fhocail TÁ ar an bpáipéar ballóide.

MURA dTOILÍONN TÚ leis an togra, cuir X os coinne an fhocail NÍL ar an bpáipéar ballóide.

THAT the statement set out in the Schedule to this Resolution be prescribed for the information of voters, pursuant to section 23 of the Referendum Act 1994 (No. 12 of 1994), in relation to the proposal to amend the Constitution which is contained in the Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Age of Eligibility for Election to the Office of President) Bill 2015 and is the subject of a constitutional referendum.

Schedule

You are being asked in this referendum if you agree with the proposal to amend Article 12.4.1° of the Constitution to reduce the age at which a citizen becomes eligible for election to the office of President from 35 years (the present position) to 21 years.

IF YOU APPROVE of the proposal, mark X opposite the word YES on the ballot paper.

IF YOU DO NOT APPROVE of the proposal, mark X opposite the word NO on the ballot paper.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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While the train may already have left the station, I wish to make a brief comment. Only four of 166 Deputies are present for the conclusion of this debate. The signature of the President is the final action before the enactment of the legislation. Notwithstanding the contributions made in this debate, the solemnity of the occasion has not come through in the atmosphere of the debate. This is a matter of great significance. Even in so-called primitive societies across the globe, solemnity is shown by elders and the mores and cultural traditions of a tribe or people are respected. A good wine or whiskey must be old. I am using Montessori imagery in order that Members will pause and think about this issue.

My children are young and I love young people. They have much to offer and, like me, much to learn. Uachtarán na hÉireann, the Head of State, is the embodiment of judgment and compassion, which are qualities rather than skill sets. I am saddened that this legislation has been rushed and that the debate has lacked qualitative solemnity. The current Uachtarán na hÉireann is a person with enormous life experience, of culture and with intellectual and emotional ability, all of which come with time. Plants do not grow overnight and oak trees take 100 years to grow. A copper beech tree on the lawn of the school I attended was approaching the age of 200 years. It was a living plant, part of creation and something solemn and majestic.

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to share these thoughts. Let us, please, pull in the reins a little now and then.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill will now be sent to the Seanad.