Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this legislation, which provides for the enactment of the revisions of the Dáil and European Parliament constituencies in accordance with the recommendations of the Constituency Commission's report, published approximately a year ago. When Dáil constituencies are revised, there are always issues about boundary lines and the rationale behind changes. Reference was made to submissions by the public on the constituency reviews. A high percentage of submissions to the Constituency Commission related to County Leitrim but it was divided and, therefore, I am not sure whether they are being take into account. In 1977, an independent commission was set up redraw constituencies to reflect population change and it is vitally important to ensure such a commission remains sacrosanct. Prior to the establishment of a new commission, both Houses should debate constituency revisions to boundaries for all elections before changes are proposed.

Over the past number of years, we have experienced significant population growth, which has required many changes to constituencies. Significant population loss has occurred in inner cities and rural areas while the commuter belts around our major cities have expanded dramatically.

The Bill is now before the House. The commission was established under the Electoral Act 1997. On 26 April 2007, it was constituted to make a report on the constituencies for the election of Members of Dáil Éireann and the European Parliament. The commission's report and its recommendations was presented to the Ceann Comhairle on 23 October 2007 and we are now processing the legislation. In the past 12 months, there was much debate on where to draw the boundaries. In the first weeks and months, there was concern about whether the recommendations would be implemented. However, we are putting into law the commission's exact recommendations.

While we must follow this important precedent, we should examine the reports before their completion. The constitutional position is that the number of Deputies must be fixed from time to time and that the constituencies from which they are elected must be determined by law. Thus, the final determination of the constituencies of Dáil Éireann is a matter for the Oireachtas via legislation. The commission's role is advisory, but it is important that it be respected.

In recent years, different constituencies have experienced significant changes. Many people have considered the merits of dividing towns, parishes and so forth. We must accept the commission's reports, but we should have greater input before their completion. Since the establishment of the independent commission in the late 1970s, it has been established practice that the Government accepts the recommendations in the report. The Bill provides accordingly. The final determination of constituencies is a matter for the Oireachtas to prescribe in legislation.

Over the years, various Bills have made it somewhat easier for people to get on election tickets. It is vital that Members of Dáil Éireann ensure that the respect of the people for our democracy is absolute. It has often been stated that many people fought hard and went through difficult times to ensure a free and Irish democracy. Some countries do not have democracy. Our difficulty lies in the fluctuations in our population. It rose before the last general election but, for one reason or another, there is a steady decline in the numbers participating in the democratic process.

Before discussing the electoral register, I point out that voting is mandatory in some countries. I am unsure as to whether this infringes on someone's democratic right to make a decision, but it is important that the process starts at a young age. There are CSPE classes in post-primary schools, but there should be some in primary schools to encourage people to become involved in the democratic process. As I have often told young people — all public representatives meet various classes — politics is not just about elected Members of Dáil and Seanad Éireann, Members of the European Parliament or councillors. Rather, it is a mirror of what is occurring in one's local community and life. Politics, whether it is party politics, at the level of elected representatives, in a GAA club or in a community development association, is concerned with life and it is important that we encourage people into it.

I am unsure about mandatory voting, but it is vital that we make young people believe that, when they vote, they will give effect to what they believe should occur in their society and community. It is not just a matter of elected Members far from their communities. As a famous Speaker of the House of Representatives stated, all politics is local, but it is concerned with people participating in the democratic process. Over the years, people's opinion of politics and politicians has diminished, but it behoves every Deputy to uphold what exists in our community and country.

In the past two revisions, my constituency has witnessed considerable changes, including the entrance of a large urban area. Cork North-West is one of the few constituencies that mirrors almost all aspects of society, ranging from a large urban centre to a rural setting. Deputy Stanton is thinking about east Cork in this regard. Other constituencies are predominantly rural or urban, but Cork North-West contains every facet and its elected Members must try to represent every aspect.

In this revision, the parish of Kilshannig will move from Cork North-West into Cork North-Central. Like other speakers, I wonder about the wisdom of aligning my constituency with the city constituency of Cork North-Central almost as far as Mallow. Perhaps the constituencies should be completely revamped. However, the legislation will give effect to the commission's report and I am strongly of the opinion that its recommendations be implemented. Any deviation would not be good for politics because it would be a return to the old days.

Before the commission makes a future report on any revised forum, it is important that we have an opportunity to debate it and to make an input irrespective of whether our input is taken on board. I commend the Bill to the House.

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