JCI Dublin - Junior Chamber International Dublin

"JCI Ireland recently surveyed our members and found 74% felt they were 'not well informed on the issues involved in the Lisbon Treaty and are undecided about how they will vote," said Catherine Laffey, National president JCI Ireland at a debate held in Dublin yesterday.

"Our members feel that organisations such as JCI have a role to play in providing that information in a clear, easy to understand and non-biased way. That's why we decided to organise a debate to inform ourselves and young people about the issues involved," she continued.

"We are a national youth organisation that is dedicated to active citizenship. JCI Ireland is impartial on this issue but we do want to encourage young people to inform themselves by reading the literature, attending debates and watching coverage on TV and exercise their right to vote." Laffey said.

The JCI Ireland debate was held at the EU Parliament in Molesworth st. Dublin, the topic debated was "The EU Lisbon Treaty: Motivating Young Voters". Speakers included former MEPS Simon Coveney and Patricia Mc Kenna as well as Declan Ganley, Chairman of Libertas.org and Ruairi Quinn, Chairman of Allianceforeurope.org.

Being informed on political issues such as the EU and voting are part of Active Citizenship, which JCI is all about, we encourage all of our members and every young person in Ireland to arm themselves with the information required to make an informed vote on this referendum, Laffey concluded.