Sir, – Tomás Heneghan notes that the Electoral Commission is likely to begin examining the prospect of expanding voting access in local and European elections to 16 and 17 year olds (Letters, August 14th) and puts forward several examples of rights and obligations 16 and 17 year olds already have in support of extending the vote to them.
However, he is on shakier ground when he writes that this age group can “have and raise a child”. The legal age for sexual consent in Ireland is 17, not 16.
Furthermore 16 and 17 year old are treated differently in several other crucial ways. A 17-year-old boy can be charged with a criminal offence but as a minor cannot be named for legal reasons. It is surely entirely inconsistent to shield an accused’s identity as a minor but allow him to vote as an adult.
There are other areas where minors are restricted. They cannot purchase alcohol and may be restricted in cinema attendance.
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It is simpler and more consistent to view those under 18 as minors without the same voting rights as adults but with protection under the law. – Yours, etc,
DONAL McGRATH,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.
