Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The House will be reassured I do not intend to return to the political disruption of Leitrim. I refer to the legislation published in the past few weeks relating to changes in constituencies for the European elections. It would be helpful if the Leader could outline the process involved in the report of the independent electoral commission on the revision of the constituencies, when the Government intends, as I assume it will, to accept the recommendations, as has been the precedent, and when the legislation will be drafted and come before the House because it has many implications nationally.

When will the Bill relating to the change in the European constituencies come before the House? Will it be initiated in the Seanad or the Dáil? I am astonished, considering the dominance of the provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht in European sport, that a recommendation of the commission has been accepted in the legislation. It is proposed that these historic names will be dispensed with and in future the constituencies will be referred to as Ireland West, Ireland South and Ireland East. It is extraordinary that there has not been a word in the media about this recommendation. This is an indication of the apathy that exists on European matters even though it is an important time as we hold the Presidency.

A debate will take place on the priorities of our European Presidency. Following recent allegations relating to Mr. Sharon and his political future and the Minister for Foreign Affair's meeting with him representing the Presidency, I would be grateful if the Leader would make time available to discuss the Middle East.