asked the Minister for the Environment if it is proposed to establish an independent commission to revise the constituencies on the lines of the previous commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revision of Constituencies.
14.
The implications of the population figures contained in the recently published Preliminary Report on the 1981 Census are being examined with a view to determining whether a further revision of constituencies is now required.
If the review shows that a revision of the constituencies is required — and I think it will be shown in certain constituencies that a revision is required — is it the Government's intention to follow the practice of the previous administration and appointment an independent commission to re-draw the constituencies?
The Government have made no decision on that matter yet.
Surely the cries about democracy and open Government we have heard from that side of the House would suggest that the Minister would be pleased to tell the people of Ireland that he will stand over open Government and appoint, as we did, an independent commission. Are we to have another Tullymander with its inevitable reaction?
In one sense there is nothing more amusing than to hear a member of the Fianna Fáil Party talking about gerrymandering when we consider what they did for 30 years. I will be pleased to announce anything the Government decide to do, but I cannot announce it until the Government decide to do it. If the Deputy wants me to announce that I am in favour of open Government I can say that I certainly am, and I am against sin.
I am sure the Minister will admit that the commission were appointed by Fianna Fáil, and that we were responsible for the appointment of the commission. If we were still in Government we would still be standing by that commission——
A question, please, Deputy.
As Deputy leader of his own party, would the Minister take it on himself at this stage to tell the people of the country that he is prepared to honour agreements made.
I believe that when the Government come to consider this matter they will appoint an independent commission. They have not done so yet and I cannot pre-empt a Government discussion about it.