Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for a thoughtful question and for what I view to be two very valid suggestions. The population is increasing and, therefore, the Dáil will continue to increase in size. At some point, we will have to put a limit on that. I do not think the figure of 180 is too big, but the figure of 250 would certainly be and 200 would probably be as well. As Government has expanded and does more and more, we probably are stretched with Ministers having to carry multiple briefs which would not have been the case in the same way in the past. However, this kind of issue probably requires cross-party discussion. Perhaps we should do that. I would not rush into a referendum on any kind of political reform without knowing that there is a decent level of consensus. However, it is a good suggestion and I thank the Deputy for it.

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