Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the clarification on this legislation, which implements the recommendation of the commission. Such recommendations are normally accepted. There are questions around the Bill, particularly in respect of the impact of Brexit. The fact that the boundary changes are fairly minimal, only affecting Laois and Offaly, will be welcome. There was a time when the people of Clare were quite confused about what they were doing because some people who were in my constituency for general election purposes were in County Clare for local election purposes and, although they considered themselves to be from Munster, were in the Midlands-North-West constituency for European elections, which represents Connacht and Ulster. Minimal changes to boundaries are always best.

The main questions arise in the context of a possible request from the British Government for an extension to the Article 50 period. That clearly poses significant questions. The Minister of State has indicated that he will table amendments on Committee Stage if it appears that will be the case. I have some questions around that. Some questions around the two successful candidates who will not take their seats have already been raised. First, how will they be picked? What happens to those two people? Will they be able to attend and observe the European Parliament? Will they be paid? Will they be able to do some work? Will they have offices? These are practical questions and very pertinent for people who are running for the European Parliament. People elected to the European Parliament will have put considerable effort into the campaign. They may have put other things on hold. What happens? Do they have to wait and see what happens with Britain? What happens in Britain? Do 73 people take their seats only to be told halfway through that they have to go-----

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