Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also support the amendment from Deputy Ó Cuív. Mayo should be included in the name. Despite the population increase of 8.2%, it is the first time we have had a predetermined outcome in terms of the number of Deputies. If one looks at the new electoral map, one can see that parts of counties have been sawn off and other parts rammed together. The terms of reference of the Constituency Commission need to be stronger in respect of keeping county boundaries intact. I know it is not always possible to do that and Deputy Ó Cuív's amendment is as a consequence of that. The name is just one issue. Sligo-Leitrim-west Cavan-south Donegal is an odd shape for a constituency. Pieces of Cavan and Donegal will be stuck together with Sligo-Leitrim. It does not make sense. Imagine the work of a Deputy trying to deal with local authorities which he or she is expected to do under Better Local Government in order to have that linkage. Could the Minister and Minister of State take on board that under Better Local Government, the Deputy is supposed to have a strong linkage with local government and the management structure in local authorities?

On the question of the breaching of county boundaries I refer to the situation in Laois-Offaly. I have to deal with four local authorities. I deal with Carlow because of the situation in Graiguecullen, I deal with Laois-Offaly and now I will have to deal with Kildare. The part of Kildare that has been put in with Laois makes no sense. The area in question straddles Monasterevin, Kildangan, Kilberry and Castlemitchell. It is shaped like the Gaza strip. That is the only place I have ever seen that is the same shape-----

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