Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Justice and Equality has informed us that the Labour Party's Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 to deal with cyberbullying has been accepted by Government and is progressing. I hope it can be enacted this year.

When the UK exits the European Union, 73 European Parliament seats will become vacant. A total of 27 of those seats are to be redistributed among 14 member states and 46 are to be held in reserve. I understand that plans were agreed on 7 February that Ireland would be allocated two additional European Parliament seats at the elections next year and that this is to be confirmed at the June European Council. Obviously, as much preparation as possible needs to be put in place.

When will a new constituency commission be established so that we can have the shape of it? I ask that the commission be established in advance of the June Council so that it is in a position to receive submissions once we know the shape of the new boundaries, allowing for as much time in advance for people to prepare for what might be a redrawing of constituencies.

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