I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 12 and 13 together.
The terms of reference given to the County and County Borough Electoral Area Boundaries Commission relate mainly to the revision of electoral areas and representation so as to bring about a reasonable relationship between population and representation within each local authority concerned, where this does not already exist.
The commission are also required to consult with the County and County Borough Councils of Cork and Limerick and with the County Council and Borough Council of Galway and, in the light of these consultations, to recommend whether and in what manner the boundaries of the cities in question should be extended.
The intention is that the commission will explore the possibility of local agreement on the question of boundary adjustment so that any agreed changes might be made effective for the local elections to be held in June.
Should the commission make recommendations for the extension of a boundary, they are required to recommend suitable provision for the representation of the area proposed to be added to the city, including, where appropriate, an increase in the membership of the city authority. This applies to Galway as well as to the existing county boroughs concerned.
It would be the aim that legislation would be enacted to give effect to any specific city boundary changes recommended by the commission so that the local elections to be held in June would take place within the expanded boundaries. Provision would be made for financial adjustments in appropriate respects between the city and county authorities in the event of boundary adjustment being effected on the recommendation of the commission.