asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider the advisability of introducing proposals for legislation to provide for five-member parliamentary electoral areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Five-Member Parliamentary Areas.
Mr. Murphy
The Constitution enacts that the Oireachtas shall revise the constituencies at least once in every 12 years, with due regard to changes in distribution of the population, that the ratio between the number of members and the population shall so far as practicable be uniform and that the number of members returned for any constituency shall not be less than three.
The last redistribution was in 1947 and was on the basis of the 1946 Census. I do not contemplate a further redistribution of seats at an early date, but the question of revision will come under consideration in due course.
Will the Minister say if there is anything in the Constitution which would debar him from making a revision?
Mr. Murphy
I think not, but obviously it is rather soon to bring the matter up and there are very many other matters on my hands at the moment.
Will the Minister have regard to the matter of proportional representation, so far as the Constitution is concerned?
Mr. Murphy
Surely that is already stated.
Ah, tack yourself on to a Party and try to come in honestly.
Is it not a fact that the adoption of the system of the three member constituency electoral area is opposed to the general principle of proportional representation?
Mr. Murphy
I should not like to offer an opinion on that question but my impression is the same as yours.
Is it a fact that of the ten members who constitute the Clann na Poblachta Party, six are elected for three member constituencies?