asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether it is proposed to hold the next general election on the basis of the constituencies provided for in the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1947.

The answer is yes. Of course that depends on whether there will be no undue delay in passing the Bill that is before the House.

Could the Taoiseach go further and tell us what will be the date of the election?

That is beyond me to tell even though it is my duty. I could not tell definitely just now.

May I take it, arising out of what the Taoiseach has said, that the election will then be fought on the current electoral register?

On the current electoral register, in all probability.

Can the Taoiseach say what are the circumstances preventing him making a statement on the matter now?

There are a whole lot of things in connection with registers and things like that.

If, as the Taoiseach says, the election will be fought on the present register what difficulty arises?

I am told that there are difficulties. There is a holiday period coming in which will help to add to the difficulties and there is a good deal of preparation which must be made.

Is it the intention of the Government to enact legislation for the reform of the Seanad before the general election?

Yes, quite possibly.

What does the Taoiseach actually mean by the present register? Is it the register of last year and the year before?

The current one.

This is the month for the preparation of the register.

On the current register.

That is, the old register of last year.

The present register.