Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Deputy Bacik for raising this issue. Amendment No. 3 proposes to insert a new subsection (3) into section 3 of the Bill to require An Coimisiún Toghcháin to undertake detailed research within 18 months of the enactment of the Bill on an appropriate reconstitution of electoral divisions in the State, and on the discontinuance of the use of the term "former rural district" in the description of our Dáil constituencies for the purposes of providing a more up-to-date and objective approach to the process of constituency review and design.

Essentially, the amendment would require An Coimisiún Toghcháin to carry out research on the future design and make-up of Dáil constituencies. Members will be aware that earlier this month, on 9 November 2023, An Coimisiún Toghcháin published a draft research programme from 2024 to 2026 setting out a number of items of intended research. It has also announced a public consultation on the draft research programme, inviting all interested parties to make submissions on the draft programme and on any additional research projects that may be considered important to promote and enhance Ireland’s democracy and electoral events. I understand that the deadline for the receipt of submissions is 12 January 2024. I urge all political parties and all those with an interest in our democratic and political system to look at the draft programme. It offers a hugely exciting opportunity with different research strands. I urge all parties to engage in this process because I believe it will be of great value to us all here.

Notwithstanding the current public consultation process, An Coimisiún Toghcháin is required in accordance with its obligations under the Electoral Reform Act 2022 to consult the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, among others, in preparing and finalising its research programme. In light of the public consultation process which is under way, and the requirement of An Coimisiún Toghcháin to consult the committee, I believe it is not necessary to legislate for a specific item of research to be provided for in the Bill. The inclusion of the proposed item of research in an coimisiún’s research programme can be considered over the course of discussions that can take place during the consultation between the committee and An Coimisiún Toghcháin. I urge Deputy Bacik and the Labour Party to make a submission on the proposed research programme as this would be most useful. I am not in a position to accept this amendment.

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