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

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. The commission has always named the constituencies as well. That has been part of its remit even though it is not in its terms of reference, which have never been changed. I am sure Deputy Ó Cuív would not like Ministers to be interfering in various matters of this nature. I would certainly be criticised for doing that. I have a certain sympathy with what Deputy Humphreys has said about the way his constituency has been renamed in the commission's report. It is somewhat at variance with the reality on the ground, but that is what the commission has decided. If I opened the floodgates, I would have to deal with a number of issues. I will indicate some of them in response to Deputy Cowen's amendment. I want to take this opportunity to express my sympathy to Deputy Cowen on his bereavement. Deputy Ó Cuív has spoken about Deputy Cowen's proposal that the name of the Galway West constituency be changed to "Galway West-Mayo South". If I were to accept this amendment, perhaps I would have to agree to rename the proposed Sligo-Leitrim constituency "Sligo-Leitrim-Cavan-Donegal". I would point out that the Cavan population being transferred to this constituency is greater than the Mayo population being transferred to Galway West. Similarly, the Meath population in the Louth constituency is greater than the Mayo population being transferred to Galway West. The word "Meath" does not feature in the name of the Louth constituency. The new Offaly constituency comprises County Offaly and part of County Tipperary. I received representations in this regard some months ago. The Tipperary population to be included in the Offaly constituency is greater than the Mayo population to be included in Galway West, but the word "Tipperary" does not feature in the name of the Offaly constituency. If I was to accept an amendment in one case, I suppose I would have to-----