THE OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE on the Constitution has recommended a range of changes to Ireland’s electoral system, including younger voters and more women representatives.

The committee said that the proportional representational system in Ireland should be reviewed by a citizen body in a non-party political atmosphere, and that by-elections should be held within six months of a vacancy arising.

Currently, the Taoiseach can call a by-election at his discretion. Senator Pearse Doherty recently launched a legal challenge against the government over the delay in calling a by-election in Donegal to fill Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher’s Dáil seat.

It suggested a minimum constituency size of four seats, unless this would make it too large geographically. Currently, seats range from three to five per constituency, depending on size.

The Oireachtas committee has also asked the Attorney General to explore if linking funding to the number of women candidates presented would be constitutional. It suggested that parties should have to submit annual reports on their efforts to increase the number of women elected.

The committee suggested lowering the voting age from 18 years to 17 years.

The National Youth Council of Ireland has been campaigining for a reduction to 16 years, saying it would encourage young people to engage more actively in citizenship and politics.

Do you think the voting age should be reduced?

Poll Results:

• Yes, should be reduced to 17
  
• No, should stay the same
  
• It should be raised
  

Vote