Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should table a parliamentary question to the line Minister regarding the Green Paper. The electoral Bill will be taken next year. The entire reform of the local government system in line with the programme for Government would only delay the revision of constituencies. Last week Members stated this should not be delayed unduly. I have stated it could take a number of months, possibly five or six, before the review is carried out and completed. There will be a review of the local electoral boundaries and an electoral Bill will be published next year. However, a Bill addressing all the powers and functions in line with the programme for Government would not be passed in time. Hopefully, the constituency review will be ready by May next year.

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