asked the Minister for Local Government when the next revision of Dáil constituencies is due.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revision of Dáil Constituencies.
29.
I would refer the Deputy to the terms of subsection 4º of section 2 of Article 16 of the Constitution.
Has the Minister any idea what exactly that means? Does it mean it could be done shortly or does it mean every 12 years?
The Constitution provides that it must be done within a period of 12 years.
From the last revision?
Yes.
That is a better reply.
Does the Minister feel that he, accordingly, must revise the constituencies only every 12 years. Surely with the shift of population which goes on all the time there is an undesirable development of representation where there would be unequal value seen to be granted to different parts of the country? Does he not think that revision might be more frequent than every 12 years if we are to have an eye to proper representation?
It could be done more frequently than 12 years.
Is it the Minister's reading of the Constitution that it cannot be done?
No, it cannot be left longer than 12 years.
But it can be done sooner?
Yes.
Does the Minister intend to do it in the next few years?
I have no such intention at the present.
And with the help of God, they will be out of office before the occasion to do it arises.
It would not take long to do it if it were thought necessary.
You did a good job of it before.
I have no complaint anyway.
You might, next time.
(Cavan): That one misfired.