James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to acknowledge the point made by the Minister of State on the time capsule. I think it is quite fascinating that it will be done and I welcome it. It will be interesting to see what each of us will put into our individual time capsules. I look forward to that measure. We are watching the census with real interest in Cork, particularly from a democratic and political perspective, due to the rapidly growing population. I live in one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country. We are seeing significant growth in the population there. My concern is around the Electoral Commission and the statutory and constitutional obligations that are under that function. In addition to what is happening with the census, I ask the Minister of State to provide us with details on that particular issue. I think the Ceann Comhairle is immune from that particular issue, as he does not have to stand for election. I am sure many of us envy his position. It is quite interesting to consider the impact it will have on Dáil Éireann and what the projections may be, given the population growth. If he Minister of State could provide us with details on what may happen subsequent to the census, it would be much appreciated.

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