Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

He was not here when I rose to speak. The parish of Kilshannig has moved into the Deputy's constituency. It is strange that the urban constituency of Cork North-Central is being extended almost as far as Mallow, to within eight or ten miles of Kanturk and into east Cork. While I am aware that population factors were an issue for the constituency, nevertheless, a predominately urban constituency is extending into rural areas. As a result, it may more accurately reflect the make-up of society.

While we can discuss the decisions of the Constituency Commission, Deputies must not charge that certain of its decisions were politically motivated as to do so would bring us back to square one. The commission is appointed to report to the Ceann Comhairle within a specified timeframe. Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill, a judge of the High Court, was appointed chairman of the most recent Constituency Commission. While Deputies may have difficulties with its recommendations, we must accept its independence.

I note the criticism that changes to the boundaries of Limerick constituencies ignore county boundaries. While the terms of reference of the Constituency Commission included that it should in as far as possible observe county boundaries, the difficulty is that substantial growth in the population of urban areas means boundaries must be redrawn if the number of Dáil Deputies is to be retained at the current figure of 166. Some people have said the figure of one TD per 30,000 is the ultimate aim. Irrespective of the decisions that have been made, the most important thing is that our commission and the Oireachtas continue to involve people in the democratic process and that this issue is given due recognition. Serving the people in a democratic system is a noble calling. It is important to uphold the independence of boundary commissions and that the profession of politics is held in good stead right across the country.

Greater recognition should be given to the volunteers of our organisations. They are the real political people on the ground and they are active in community groups and so on. People are time poor when it comes to volunteering, so we should acknowledge the contributions made by those who get involved in political parties across the country.

It is important that the independent commission is seen to be removed from political interference. It has taken nearly 30 years to get to the stage where there is an acceptance of the independence of the commission. I am not too sure of the benefits involved in any submissions to the commission by the public. A high percentage of the submissions were about the sub-division of Leitrim, but they did not seem to be taken on board. When the terms of reference are brought before the Oireachtas, it is important there is a lengthy discussion on them so the views of practising politicians are brought to bear and laid before the independent commission.

I thank the Acting Chairman for allowing me to contribute. The most important thing is that we in this House make sure that everything done is for the betterment of democracy at every level.

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