Hundreds of thousands of women are taking part in rallies around the globe to mark International Women's Day.

ONE in three people between the ages of 18 and 21 are not registered to vote, research reveals.

A healthy democracy depends on citizens getting actively engaged in the issues that affect them, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

The body set up by the Government in an effort to get more people involved in community activities is due to hold the first in a series of public meetings in Dublin today.

The public will soon have a greater say in how the Government runs their local communities.