Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 57:

In page 26, lines 43 and 44, to delete subsection (9) and substitute the following:

"(9) In this section--

"population" means the population ascertained by the Central Statistics Office in the most recent census report published by that office setting out the final result of a census of population of the State (whether or not that is the most recent such census of population);
"national association of parents" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 1998.".

In order to keep the Bills Office happy, I wish to make the following comments. My proposed amendment No. 57 to section 28(3) adds a definition of "population" for these purposes by reference to the latest census report produced by the Central Statistics Office. This will ensure there is certainty as to how the relative populations in each local authority area are arrived at when the order is being made.

There may be a difficulty in including factors additional to population and then using those to determine the proportions in which each local authority area is represented. If a blend of factors is used, questions arise as to what weight should be given to which factors. Ultimately such an approach is likely to lead to more subjective decisions being made and accusations of unfairness arising.

I accept that there may be instances where larger population counties, in merging with much less populated areas, could have the effect of squeezing out those areas. I have heard the concerns expressed, particularly on certain configurations. While I think it is important that proportionality based on population be maintained, in light of the issues being raised I would like to consider this matter further with a view to bringing forward a suitable Report Stage amendment.