Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The electoral commission announced by the Minister last week arises from a commitment in the programme for Government that refers to an independent electoral commission which would take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight and the implementation of modern and efficient electoral practices. In addition to a revision of constituency boundaries, it also proposes to take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register and to take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending. It also proposes to examine the issue of financing the political system. In the light of the changes in population and the demographic situation outlined by the Senator, this is something the electoral commission will do and the Minister hopes the views of people and interested parties will be received before 26 June.

I agree with the comments of Senator Hannigan. However, irrespective of the demographic changes, there is a commission in place. That has been the practice for a long time since the late Mr. Jack Lynch established the first commission. The commission is allowed to carry out its work independently and we accept its recommendations in their entirety. Every Government has done so since the first commission was appointed.