I refer to the newly formed boundary commission which has been established in the light of the recent census results to look at the boundaries of Dáil constituencies. I understand it is envisioned that an additional Deputy will be required to match the increase in population. The commission was established by the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney.

The method used for arriving at the number and locations of Deputies is too crude at one Deputy per a maximum population of 30,000 citizens. This is not fair in certain constituencies and is leading to a democratic deficit. The geographical size of County Mayo, my constituency, is greater than all of Dublin's constituencies put together, yet we only have four Deputies. In Dublin North-Central, the quota is approximately 6,000, but it is 10,000 in County Mayo. This is repeated throughout the country. It is unfair and shows an ignorance of the time and requirements involved in representing people who live in dispersed rural communities. These factors are recognised in other jurisdictions. Under the system in the US Congress, for example, smaller states have the same number of representatives as larger states, regardless of population. There must be some equality or balance. Populations in rural areas are declining. The eight seats removed during the previous Dáil were from the western seaboard. The number of councillors has also decreased, yet the same areas must be covered and they are seeing the least amount of economic growth. There is a democratic deficit. We have poorer infrastructure and so on. The new commission is a way to address all of these issues. There is an issue with the Constitution, but giving proper democratic representation to every citizen as opposed to just those living in large urban centres is fundamental. Will the Leader speak to the Minister and ask that this serious issue be addressed?

The Senator's point is made.