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AN INDEPENDENT SENATOR has called for a referendum to introduce a cap on the number of TDs who can sit in the Dáil in the future.
The next Dáil could see up to 185 TDs based on Ireland’s projected population growth, Michael McDowell told the Seanad yesterday. There are currently 174 TDs in the Dáil, which is an increase of 14 from the previous election.
Under the Constitution, there must be one TD elected for every 30,000 of the population. McDowell said that if the population (and the number of TDs) continues to grow, it could cost “many multiples of the bicycle shed” to accommodate them.
While Minister of State for Local Government Christopher O’Sullivan acknowledged concerns about rising numbers, he said he does not believe “we’re anywhere near that” happening.
“I don’t think there’s any fear that anytime soon we’re going to be sitting on each other’s laps inside in Dáil Éireann,” O’Sullivan said.
We want to know your thoughts.
So, we’re asking: Do you think a referendum should be held to limit the number of TDs?
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