asked the Minister for Local Government if it is proposed to revise the Dáil constituencies before the next election in view of population changes since the last distribution of seats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revision of Dáil Constituencies.
55.
A decision on the revision of the constituencies has not been made.
Is it under consideration?
A decision has not been made.
A curt reply of that kind is not adequate, I would respectfully suggest, in the context of a matter of so serious a nature as this. Therefore, arising out of the reply, I would ask the Minister if he, as a member of the Cabinet, will refer to the fact that in the constituency of County Dublin there has been a great increase in population.
Surely we cannot discuss that matter at Question Time?
I am not discussing it. I am merely asking the Minister will he represent to the Cabinet that there has been such a tremendous increase in population in the constituency which he, I and others have the honour to represent, that it is, in fact, at the moment grossly under-represented in terms of Dáil seats, and will he take what steps as may be open to him in the immediate future to secure that this injustice to the people, this lack of adequate representation, will be rectified?
The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.
(Cavan): May I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that he has not answered the question? The question asked if it is proposed to revise the Dáil constituencies before the next election in view of population changes since the last distribution of seats. As I understand the Minister's reply, he stated that a revision had not been made.
No. A decision to revise constituencies has not been made.
(Cavan): Can the Minister say whether it is likely that a revision will be made before the next election?
I do not know. No decision has been made to do this.