Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

To clarify, I hope we have the same understanding of the legislation. My reading is that on page 41 of the Bill, section 56(2), the wording copper-fastens the status quo. The relevant section states:

...the Commission shall, in observing the relevant provisions of the Constitution in relation to Dáil constituencies, have regard to the following: [...]

(b) each constituency shall return 3, 4 or 5 members;

Will it not copper-fasten the status quothat the commission must work within those boundaries? Will it have the flexibility, notwithstanding that section, to consider increasing the size of Dáil constituencies? Will the Minister of State clarify that so we are clear on the meaning of the legislation and we both have the same understanding of it?