Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Bill 2012 is to provide for the number of Members of Dáil Éireann, to revise the constituencies in the light of the result of Census 2011 and to provide for the number of Members to be elected for such constituencies. The Bill provides for a total number of 158 Members of the Dáil, delivering on the Government commitment to reduce the number of Deputies for the 32nd Dáil. In debating and deciding upon the Bill, the Oireachtas will meet its constitutional obligation to review and revise constituencies, with due regard to changes in the distribution of population.

We had a good debate on the Bill on Second Stage, over five separate days. There was a general understanding of the need to respect the independence of the Constituency Commission and accept its recommendations. Many Deputies raised concerns that relate to political reform in a wider and more general sense. However, this legislation does nothing more nor less than comply with our legal and constitutional obligations for the provision of the legal mechanism in respect of the independent commission that has reported to us.