Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Yes and that, a Cheann Comhairle, would be quite the opposite to affinity. Let us examine for a moment what will happen in respect of Garda divisions. It is proposed that Garda divisions be changed to accord with county boundaries, yet we are splitting County Offaly. In regard to court districts, County Offaly is in the midlands circuit which extends from Sligo to south Laois. It is now proposed that part of County Offaly be joined with Tipperary. The old health board district and HSE midlands incorporates the natural midlands counties of Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois. It is totally unacceptable that part of the county of Offaly should now, for electoral purposes, be placed in a different province.

Much has been said about the democratic deficit or the gap between local politicals and euro politics. Yet, European parliamentarians for south Offaly will be from the Leinster area and its Dáil representatives will be from Tipperary North which is located in a different province. The local government conflict is quite obvious. Tullamore will be the local administrative centre and whereas Birr was the market town for south Offaly for many years the main focus of attention now politically will be Thurles which is many miles away. The only time people from Offaly go to Thurles is for hurling. It is extraordinary that the people of County Offaly should be centred politically in an area which is somewhat alien to them.

If one is looking to natural county boundaries and constituencies it is totally unnatural then that there are two three-seat constituencies in Tipperary. Why is this? Why are there two constituencies in County Tipperary? Changes on the basis of population structure of an area would cause far less anxiety, anger and disharmony than does the bolstering up of the entirely artificial constituency of Tipperary North thus ensuring it remains an entity by adding to it a portion of County Offaly.

The democratic will of the people has been removed. The people of south Offaly are against this move. What local needs basis is undertaken by the electoral boundaries? There has been no consultation by the commission with stakeholders. In considering a change in the terms of reference we should bear in mind local area needs. I am concerned about the Taoiseach's statement this morning on the Order of Business when he said that he was in some way unhappy with what happened to our respective constituents in Laois-Offaly and indicated that it is an issue that could be examined. I would like if that matter could be clarified by the Taoiseach.

The overriding point is that for electoral purposes we are moving people from Offaly to the province of Munster. For example, in regard to the areas for designated euro status, Laois-Offaly is located in the Border, midlands and western region. Part of this constituency is now being moved to another area. If the Laois-Offaly constituency is to be changed consideration might be given to changing the eastern side of the constituency where there has been a considerable shift in population. Areas such as Carlow-Kilkenny, Offaly-Kildare or Laois-Carlow in which there would be more of a natural affinity in terms of business and interaction could be considered rather than placing people in a different province, an area in which there has been no traditional association.

I merely express my utmost concern at what is happening. Also, I wonder about the point of this exercise today and hope that the Minister when replying will inform us as to what will be the next move.

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