Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

A census is due in 2006. The Government would have us believe that it will remain in power until 2007. Recent weeks would suggest otherwise but we may return to a different political scenario in the new term. If the census is carried out in 2006 and figures are available by the time a general election is held in 2007, will there be a revisit and a rethinking of constituencies? A few months ago, an article in The Sunday Tribune reported that almost half of Dáil constituencies may be under-represented by 2006. If the election is held in 2007, numerous court challenges may be held. The Minister might clarify that point.