John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

On the one hand Deputy Lynch states there are issues which need to be examined and, on the other, that there are no complexities. There are complexities and there is no question about it. If one considers the variation in population, and this will be based on population, the electoral areas range from a low of 6,470 to a high of 51,803. This is a huge variation. How does one allocate spending on this basis? This is what we must try to do.

In my reply, I stated there are issues with regard to some of the borough councils and these must be teased out. Next week, I hope to be in a position to announce this. Given that Deputy Lynch has highlighted the difficulties, stated that people have advantages and agreed with me that this needs to be done I hope he will welcome my initiative. I am sure he will find a way to criticise it in some shape or form.

The limit for a three seat Dáil constituency at present is €30,150. The Green Paper recommends this is halved to €15,000. We must examine this and consider whether this is the way to go. My thinking is that it is and I hope that next week Deputy Lynch will be out on the plinth welcoming this.

See this speech in context