Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. As a former Member of this House, it is good to see that his distinguished political career continues to flourish. There is a long history of controversy and disagreement whenever electoral amendment Bills come before either House because they relate to a sensitive issue for politicians. This Bill is no different in that regard. I support much of what my friend and colleague, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, said, but I disagree entirely with Senator Susan O'Keeffe's reference to justifying piecemeal legislation. I did not see any particular reason for rushing this legislation. The Minister, quite correctly, has triggered the obligation on any Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, once the preliminary census results are released, to establish an independent electoral commission.

It is my understanding that Article 16.2.2o of the Constitution specifies that the total number of Deputies shall, under current Census data, be not less than 164 and no more than 168. There are references throughout the Bill to the effect that its provisions are subject to constitutional provisions. Am I incorrect on this point or is the Minister going to act on the provisions of the Bill, once enacted, by triggering an increase in the constitutionally specified limit on the number of constituents per Deputy, which will allow the provisions in the Bill to be implemented? It is interesting to note that the Minister's own constituency now has the highest number of people per Deputy, at 27,598, with a national average of 26,749 and Senator Diarmuid Wilson's constituency of Cavan-Monaghan having the lowest number, at 24,000.