Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Since it is the Deputy's maiden speech I congratulate him on his election as well. Having had to swim against the tide in Leitrim, the Deputy is to be congratulated. Independent commissions draw up constituency boundaries based on census and population figures. They are given a remit but there is no interference from the political process after that. No matter where you start in the country, there are knock-on effects. Having met many of the people in Leitrim I know of their concern that the county was divided. It causes some difficulties for people at electoral time in the case of any county that loses a portion of its traditional ground to another county. I cannot give any guarantee that the Deputy will get a specific result from whatever commission is appointed. It will be based on the census and population figures when they are available. We take into account the point the Deputy makes about a small county with a small population being divided but the Deputy has proven to be the exception to the rule.

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