I propose to take Questions Nos. 507 and 533 together.
On 28 June 2013, the European Council adopted a decision on the composition of the European Parliament for the 2014-2019 parliamentary term. This provides for 11 members to be elected in Ireland, a reduction from the present 12 members.
The Electoral, Local Government and Planning and Development Bill 2013, published on 27 June 2013, makes provision for the establishment of a committee to review European Parliament constituencies in the context of a change in the number of MEPs to be elected in Ireland. The provisions generally mirror those in place for a Constituency Commission including the membership but with shorter timelines for receipt of submissions and for presentation of a report to the Chairman of the Dáil.
I intend to establish a committee to review European Parliament constituencies as soon as practicable after enactment of the Bill.