A possible increase in the number of TDs to 250 is unwanted and unnecessary, Newstalk Breakfast presenter Ciara Kelly has said. 

The population of the State is currently five million - the highest level since independence from Britain - and it is expected to grow further. 

Under Article 16 of the Constitution, there must be at least one TD for every 30,000 people living in the State. 

Political scientists have predicted that the number of TDs could hit 250 by 2050 - unless a referendum is held on amending Article 16. 

It is an approach favoured by Ciara. 

“I think it’s a good idea because what this is saying is that we’re going to have 250 TDs within about 20, 30 years,” she said. 

“They’re saying every five years [there’ll be] an extra 15. 

“Who wants them? Who can afford them and who needs them? 

“The amount of debate that would come with that size of a Parliament, the amount of expense that would come with that size of a Parliament, I don’t think it’s necessary. 

“We need to change the Constitution.” 

BAAJRM Leinster House, Dail Eireann, Kildare St Dublin which houses the Irish National Parliament. Image shot 2009. Exact date unknown.

Her co-presenter, Shane Coleman, agreed but cautioned that many people like the intimacy that comes from knowing your local TD. 

“I don’t disagree with you and, by the way, you’ll see every sitting TD favour this because the more TDs there are, the more chance they have of holding their seats,” he said. 

“Particularly if they have a running mate in their constituency. 

“The only contrarian point I would make; we do like - I personally do not like it - but in Ireland generally, we do like the kind of representation offered by TDs - that kind of personal access where everybody knows their TDs.” 

Currently, there are 160 TDs and it is expected the number will increase to 179 at the next election.

Main image: Split of Ciara Kelly and TDs in Dáil Éireann.