Madam, - The recent publication of preliminary census results has reminded me that in the Netherlands, which has a population of 16.2 million, there are 150 members of the lower chamber of parliament. In Ireland, which has a population of 4.2 million, there are 166 members of the lower house.
Dutch public services, in particular health and public transport, are excellent. No one needs to be reminded of the state of these services in Ireland.
Perhaps what is needed is not a redrawing of electoral boundaries but a constitutional amendment to reduce the number of TDs. - Yours, etc,
AISLING McCORMACK, Brookville, Ashbourne, Co Meath.