Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to the House. I thank the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and his departmental officials for their work in bringing this Bill forward and also their work with the Constituency Commission.

As I am a representative from Leitrim I welcome the publication of the report and the reform of the European and parliamentary constituencies. This Bill will give effect to the changes and the county of Leitrim will again become a single electoral division, which is to be welcomed. Unfortunately, there had not been an elected representative from Leitrim from 1997 until last year.

The electoral division of Leitrim created uncertainty. It leads to local confusion and misunderstanding with regard to Oireachtas representation. There is confusion about where information about supports and services can be accessed. There is also confusion about how to access the local representative.

The county of Leitrim is like every other county in that it faces challenges in respect of immigration and lack of employment. With the current population of just over 30,000, it is important that the towns and villages work together. The division of a county with such a small population created a disadvantage for all the people of Leitrim. Without a solid base it was more difficult to elect a local Oireachtas representative as a strong voice to advocate for them and with the ability to address their concerns.

However, I am mindful in saying that the amendment to the electoral boundaries of Sligo-North Leitrim will move parts of west Cavan and south Donegal into one constituency with Sligo and Leitrim, thus creating the largest constituency, geographically, in the country.

I am aware that efforts are being made by public representatives to meet with community groups in both Cavan and Donegal to advise them of the upcoming boundary changes. I agree that the constituency name should include Donegal and Cavan as it is unfair that these county names are not included in the title of the constituency. I ask that consideration be given to including the county names. I welcome the people from Donegal and Cavan into the Sligo-North Leitrim constituency.

The demographics of west Cavan and south Donegal are similar to that of Sligo and Leitrim. I am positive that the constituency will work well as a unit. I also understand the feelings of Donegal and Cavan people. They are being divided now and we know exactly how they feel because we have been divided since 2002. I welcome them to the constituency. I would like to see the county names included in the new constituency name.