Electoral system to be scrutinised

POLITICIANS have set themselves a four-month target to decide if the way we elect people to the Dáil is fit for purpose.

The Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution will explore if the Dáil accurately represents the public, if there are too many TDs and whether or not people should be allowed vote at 16.

The Committee will investigate ways of boosting the number of women in national politics and look at alternative ways instead of by-elections to fill vacancies in the Dáil.