Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

A debate in the House on the Electoral Commission's report is the first step to be taken before taking any legislation on it. There has been much comment on it from all sides of the House and it would be good to have the views of the House expressed in a debate.

Regarding the correct answer to the Deputy's first question, I presume it is in relation to the new boundaries. However, I will have to clarify that and will confirm with the Deputy exactly what is the position. The purpose of the order is in the interests of convenient and effective local government, in order to address the geographical divorcement of the relevant areas from Limerick County Council and to assist in the implementation of the Fitzgerald report. The order provides for the extension of the administrative boundary of Limerick City Council, which was one of the recommendations of that report. Regarding the specific question the Deputy asked about the boundary, I will ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to contact him directly.

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