Minister Phil HoganA CONSTITUENCY review which is likely to result in Mayo losing a seat in Dáil Éireann is set to get underway.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, has made an order establishing a Constituency Commission under the Electoral Act 1997 to review the Dáil and European constituencies.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Act, the Chief Justice, following consultation with the President of the High Court, has nominated Mr. Justice John Cooke to be a member and the chairperson of the commission.

The other members of the commission are Kieran Coughlan, the Clerk of the Dáil,

Deirdre Lane, the Clerk of the Seanad, Emily O’Reilly, the Ombudsman, and Ms. Geraldine Tallon, secretary general of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government;.

The commission is required to report to the chairman of the Dáil no later than three months after the publication by CSO of the final population results.

The revised terms of reference provide that a Constituency Commission will now recommend Dáil constituencies based on a reduced number of TDs between a minimum of 153 and a maximum of 160.  Previously, the range was 164 to 168.

The number of members of Dáil Éireann recommended by a Commission will still be subject to the limits set out in the Constitution.

Stated Deputy Hogan: “The provision for a reduced number of TDs delivers on the Government’s commitment to lead by example and start change at the top.

“Real, tangible reform is being achieved which will make the political system leaner and more efficient for citizens.”

Reacting to the feared loss of a Dáil seat in Mayo, Ballina Fianna Fáil Deputy Dara Calleary said: “While there is a real possibility we could lose a TD, there is a strong argument to be made for the retention of five deputies due to the geographical size of this county.

“As the only sitting Fianna Fáil TD, I am really stretched to give normal service to the whole constituency and I believe we will not be able to provide proper representation if the number of TDs is reduced.”