asked the Taoiseach if it is the intention of the Government to take steps towards the abolition of the proportional representation system of election; and, if so, if he will state why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proportional Representation System of Election.
asked the Taoiseach whether the Government has reached a decision regarding the retention or abolition of proportional representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government have come to the conclusion that the question of discontinuing the system of proportional representation in elections to Dáil Éireann should be submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people and have, therefore, decided to introduce a Bill to amend the Constitution by deleting the provisions for the election of the members of Dáil Éireann on the system of proportional representation and substituting for them provisions to the effect that the members shall be elected by means of the relative majority vote, in single-member constituencies. The amending Bill will also contain a proposal to insert in the Constitution a provision for the establishment of an independent commission to determine or delimit the constituencies.
The reason for the Government's decision will be stated in the course of the debate on the Bill to amend the Constitution.
If the reasons for this action are as stated by the Taoiseach in a speech which he made yesterday, I take it he realises that the arguments advanced are just as specious as those used by the so-called democrats in Stormont to justify a similar proposal on their part.
That is an argument, not a question.
Is this just a smoke-screen to hide Fianna Fáil mismanagement?
That question is not in order.
Would the Taoiseach indicate that the alternative system he intends to introduce, if he succeeds in his Referendum, is exactly the same as the system used in Stormont and Britain?
Is the Deputy afraid of the people?
Not a bit.