Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Will the Taoiseach give whatever assurances are necessary regarding same? This Bill should not be back before us, as initially presented.

Last week the Taoiseach stated the electoral boundaries would be amended in advance of the 2009 local elections. The programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent electoral commission, which will become a standing constituency commission, with a raft of different functions and responsibilities. Will legislation be presented to establish the commission? Will it be in place, with responsibility for addressing the constituency boundaries, in advance of the local elections?

The programme for Government clearly states a Green Paper on local government reform will be published within six months of the Government taking up office. Given that that date is fast approaching, will the Green Paper be presented to the House before Christmas?

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