Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 4, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following:

“Research on revision of Dáil constituencies 5. In relation to the revision of Dáil constituencies, An Coimisiún Toghcháin shall, within 24 months of the passing of this Act, conduct research and make such recommendations as it considers appropriate to Dáil Éireann on—

(a) the abolition of constituencies returning three members, and

(b) the specification for an indeterminate period of the number of members of which Dáil Éireann is to be composed and of the constituencies to be represented by the members, while varying from time to time the number of members to be elected for each such constituency having regard to changes in the distribution of the population throughout the State.”.

This is a very simple ask. It is merely asking for research to be conducted. Various political parties have a different perspective regarding the appropriate size of Dáil constituencies. If I recall correctly, both the Minister of State's and my party would have particular views on three-seaters. In the spirit of the Bill, we are asking for research to be undertaken by An Coimisiún Toghcháin, particularly with regard to three-seat constituencies. We do this, mindful that there have been proposals in the latest boundary redraw for a number of three-seaters across the country. There are very serious questions to be asked about the equity and representation that is afforded to a constituency with three seats. We ask for the Minister of State's support in this.