A referendum on lowering the voting age to 16 is expected in the New Year.

The government yesterday accepted the recommendation of the Constitutional Convention to lower the age for voting in general elections.

A ballot will also be held to amend the constitution and lower the minimum age to run for President, from 35 to 21.

There will not be a referendum to change how a presidential candidate is nominated, as the government already plans to change this as part of the abolishment of the Seanad.