Ireland has moved a step closer to gaining one additional seat in the European Parliament in the next election.
It follows an agreement reached by the Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee (AFCO) this evening.
The draft report, which will have to be approved by the full Parliament on Thursday, proposes adding 11 extra Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Under this proposal, Ireland would gain one extra seat.
Spain and Netherlands are both on course to getting two seats.
The other countries recommended as getting one seat include Austria, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Latvia, and Slovenia.
Fine Gael MEP, Seán Kelly, a member of AFCO, said that the "proposal aims to bring the total number of MEPs up to 716, instead of the current 705", in order to maintain the principle of "degressive proportionality".
Degressive proportionality ensures that smaller states are allocated more MEPs per capita than larger states, preventing "smaller states from being underrepresented", Mr Kelly explained.
"These adjustments are necessary due to changes in population figures, as the current allocation of seats in the Parliament no longer aligns with the Treaty provisions.
"The population in some EU member states has gradually increased, and an increase in citizens warrants an increase in MEPs," Mr Kelly added.
The draft report will be voted on by the full European Parliament on Thursday. If approved, it will have to receive final sign-off by the member states.
Ireland currently has 13 MEPs and is now on course to have 14, with the Midlands-North-West constituency is being tipped as a possible beneficiary.
"Ireland is a European success story and has been transformed by the opportunities that the EU offers. We have moved from a benefactor to contributor, and when you factor in Brexit, it makes sense for Ireland to have another MEP," Mr Kelly said.
Ireland's new Electoral Commission will make the decision on which constituency will get the additional MEP before the end of August.
Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly emphasised the importance of finalising the proposal in a timely manner.
"This procedure must be completed in time to allow member states to introduce the necessary modifications to their respective electoral laws.
"With the 2024 European Parliament election scheduled for 6 to 9 June 2024, the proposal needs to be finalized as soon as possible," Mr Kelly said.
Additional reporting: Paul Cunningham
