Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Deputy Brady's home area was transferred from his constituency to that of Meath East.

The Minister is in a difficult position. He must comply with the legislation under which the commission was set up. We do not want to return to the Tully gerrymandering which benefited Fianna Fáil in 1969. Those days are gone. This is a step in the right direction, but the matter needs to be looked at again. When terms of reference are given, they should be complied with by the commission. I make one appeal: that the commission be advised by eminent specialists from the universities who are totally independent on maps and population. With respect to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and its officials, I cannot see how they are independent if under ministerial control. I know what I would do if I was in the Department and what other Ministers have done.