Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2738. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the outcome of the proposals considered at the European Council meeting in June 2018 in relation to the reallocation of seats in the European Parliament; if Ireland's number of seats has increased; if so, the proposals in place to revise the European Parliament constituencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34475/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 June 2018, the European Council adopted a decision on the composition of the European Parliament for the 2019-2024 parliamentary term. This provides for 13 members to be elected in Ireland, an increase from the present 11 members. However, if the United Kingdom has not left the European Union by the commencement of the 2019-2024 parliamentary term, the number of members taking up office will be the same as that provided for in the current European Parliament (i.e. 11 members); in such a scenario, the additional two seats would be taken up after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom becomes effective.
The Electoral Act 1997 (as amended) provides 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 (within two months of establishment).
Against this background, I have made an order under section 5(1A) of the Act establishing a Constituency Committee to review European Parliament constituencies having regard to the number of MEPs to be elected in Ireland as set out in European Council Decision (EU) 2018/937 of 28 June 2018 establishing the composition of the European Parliament.
