Constitutional convention recommends Dáil voting changes

The Convention on the Constitution has recommended that it should focus on amendments to the existing Dáil electoral system.

This is the first full weekend of the convention which is underway in Dublin.

Possible recommendations on the current Dáil voting system could include changes in constituency sizes, the number of TD's, whether Ministers should be members of the Oireachtas and measures for improving voter turnout.

Members heard presentations on the current Dáil electoral system and alternative systems over the two-day event.

Tom Arnold, Chairman of the Constitution Convention says the result of the ballot this weekend will inform the discussion for the meeting in June.

He said: “I am pleased that this weekend was conducted in a fair and transparent manner which allowed all members to make their views on Dáil electoral reform known. The result of the ballot this weekend will inform the discussion for our next meeting in June.”

“I would like to thank all the participants for their focused contributions throughout the weekend. Particularly, I would like to thank the expert panel and advocacy groups who explained the issues in a clear and understandable fashion.”

“The work of the Convention will resume on the second weekend in June when the Convention members will focus their attention on possible amendments to our current Dáil electoral system. I look forward to continuing this process of citizen engagement with a view to making clear recommendations to Government on the issue.”