asked the Minister for the Environment if it is intended to alter the constituency boundaries for the local electoral areas in County Dublin; how the new areas will be determined; and when they will be made known.

Following representations from Dublin County Council that an increase in the membership of the council is desirable, a public local inquiry was held on 30 November 1978. The suitability of the existing county electoral areas will fall to be considered in the light of the decision to be made on the question of membership. Should it be considered desirable to make any alteration in the county electoral areas, this would be done in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of the Schedule to the Local Government (Application of Enactments) Order, 1898 and of section 33 (7) of the Local Government Act, 1941.

I hope to be in a position to decide these matters shortly.