Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

-----because I have just told her. Any difference that emerges between the preliminary and final census figures will be taken into account by the commission before it presents its report.

The terms of reference as set out in the Bill will require the commission to recommend a set of constituencies based on a number of Deputies between 153 and 160, but these terms of reference are subordinate to the relevant constitutional provisions. As such, a commission cannot recommend constituencies that do not meet the constitutional requirements. It will have an opportunity for three months after the final figures have been published to make any adjustments required to ensure its recommendations are within the constitutional provisions. The matter does not, therefore, arise.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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