asked the Minister for the Environment if it is proposed to carry out a revision of constituencies based on the 1981 census of population returns; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

The Government have not yet had an opportunity to consider this question.

Can the Minister indicate when the Government intend to consider this matter? Do they think they should deal with it in the near future, or do they feel they can postpone it indefinitely?

No, we do not feel we can postpone it indefinitely. Given the constraints on time involved in the preparation of the budget, I hope it will be considered by the Government at an early date.

Is it the Minister's wish that the Government should establish an independent commission to carry out any proposed revisions?

I have not considered this to date. I will inform the Deputy at an early date of any views which I take of it.

Do I take it from the Minister's reply that the Coalition Government have not yet decided that it is part of their policy to have an independent commission to carry out Dáil constituency revisions?

The matter has not been considered as yet. I would be in favour of an independent commission such as we had in the past.