Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill whose main purpose is revise the Dáil constituencies in the light of the 2002 census and to implement the recommendations contained in the constituency boundary commission's report of 2004. While it is relatively short legislation, it is very important. It will significantly enhance or damage sitting Deputies and candidates in the next general election depending on where they live. As someone who has the honour of representing the constituency of Westmeath that is to be transferred in part into two separate electoral constituencies by the constituency commission, I have probably most to fear by the Bill. I am particularly concerned about the future representation of the people of north Westmeath, whom I have had the pleasure of serving in both Houses of the Oireachtas since 1982.

When the commission was established, its job was to review the existing constituency boundaries on foot of population trends and to make recommendations for boundary changes based on the national census. It claims to have done this and while a further census of population will be taken next year, the process involved will take too long to permit a new Bill to be introduced before the next general election. I believe the new census will show that the population of Westmeath has increased substantially in recent years, and in the past three years in particular. This population growth will continue as a result of the Government's inward investment in industry and new technology and as a result of substantially improved infrastructure in the county, such as gas, broadband, roads and various other unprecedented improvements we have seen in the county.

Following the 2002 general election, I am proud to be the only Government Deputy in the county. It is a wonderful time to be in public life, assist my native county and do whatever I can for its people from Athlone to Clonmellon to the bridge of Finea and in Mullingar, Kilbeggan and Coole, areas which are experiencing unprecedented growth. I am absolutely delighted and privileged to be associated with this Government, which is making it all possible.

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