Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I support much of what was said by colleagues in regard to the work of the commission and its recommendations. The background to this constituency review was the indication in the most recent census figures of an increase in population of more than 320,000 from 2002 to 2006, giving an average of 25,541 voters for each of the 166 Dáil Deputies. None of us has a difficulty with the establishment of the commission for the purpose of bringing about a more equitable spread of constituents per Dáil Member in view of the fact that some constituencies were over-represented while others were under-represented.

When the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, spoke in the Dáil last September, he outlined the main features of the constituency commission's report into Dáil constituencies. He pointed out that there would be no change in the current level of Dáil membership. We all welcome the recommendation that the number of Members should remain at 166. He indicated that the number of constituencies, at 43, would remain the same and that no change would be made in 19 of those constituencies. Thus, change was to be recommended in the remaining 24. The Minister explained that the Louth and Dublin West constituencies were to increase by one seat, with changes to be made in the areas covered by these constituencies. These changes arose from the increase in population in these areas as people moved out of Dublin city and into the suburbs and neighbouring counties. The Dún Laoghaire and Limerick East constituencies were to be reduced by one seat, with the latter to be renamed Limerick City and changes to be made in the areas covered by both constituencies.

Senator Daly referred to the creation of the new constituency of Kerry North-West Limerick. The Leader, likewise, made particular reference to his own constituency. I empathise with his position. Having represented the people of his constituency as a Member of Dáil Éireann, the changes recommended by the commission have disenfranchised that representation. We all agree with the point made by Senator Ellis and the general view from County Leitrim. While the commission's terms of reference may have been a little vague, the decision to disenfranchise a county is always wrong. If the terms of reference were not sufficient to give this type of protection, they should have been corrected and proper direction given to the commission prior to the commencement of its work. On the other hand, it may be that the commission did not implement the terms of reference it received.

Coming from County Donegal, which is to the north west of County Leitrim, I am aware that the people of that county are disappointed not to have their own Deputy. While they are receiving excellent representation in the northern part of the county from the Sligo-North Leitrim representatives, the county as a distinct entity should have been protected. Senator Ellis made the case in this regard much better than I could ever do. I wholeheartedly support everything he said on this matter. I will go further by supporting the questioning he put forward of the commission's work, whether in the sense that its term of reference were too narrow or vague or, alternatively, that it did not fully implement the terms of reference it received.

The Electoral (Amendment) Bill refers not only to the Dáil constituencies but also to the European Parliament constituencies and local government electoral areas. I understand it is a matter ultimately for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to bring about changes to local electoral areas, of which there are 83. An issue that could and perhaps should have been addressed in this Bill is that of the disparity of spending levels between different local election candidates, with some spending vast sums in the absence of any upper limit. We hear stories, for example, of candidates spending in excess of €50,000. Spending limits should be imposed on candidates in all elections, including local elections. This issue should be addressed before the next local elections to ensure there is a more level playing field for all candidates. Currently, some choose to spend very little while others spend huge sums. There must be some level of comparability and equality in terms of candidate expenditure in local elections.

Much has been said about the different constituencies and about the work of the commission, bringing into question its remit and its implementation of the terms of reference. I support that position, especially with regard to the geographical area of County Leitrim. I hope the Minister, Deputy Gormley, will take another look at this issue but I do not believe that will happen. It does not rest well. I do not come from County Leitrim but from the neighbouring county and I know the position of the people of County Leitrim. Senator Ellis speaks on their behalf in this House. From speaking to people in the county I know they feel their county has been torn apart.

We should never forget the way this country was founded, on the baile fearainn, the townland and the county boundary. That was sacrosanct. On Saturday night we had the 125th anniversary of the GAA in Croke Park. That association represented the baile fearainn, the townland and the parish, from which the GAA club came. The county boundary defined the county individuals played for. The commission's remit should have been restricted to coincide with that structure which was founded a long time ago and has stood the test of time, both electorally and, in sporting terms, within the Gaelic Athletic Association.

I am not sure what can be done about listening to the concerns of residents, especially in County Leitrim but also in other counties. The population will rise or fall but it will not remain stagnant. The population is decreasing rather than increasing. Perhaps the figures are out of date even before the Bill has been implemented into legislation. If a boundary commission is ever again to be established, its terms of reference should be very clear and unambiguous and its findings should be debated in both Houses of the Oireachtas before they go for implementation. It is important to give elected representatives their say before a commission implements terms of reference. We should all have a say on specific terms of reference in respect of our communities before the matter is handed over to a commission that was not elected and which does not represent any area. I do not call into question the professionalism of the individuals involved but I believe democracy should have its say before terms of reference are decided and implemented.