Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I would welcome the committee engaging with this issue. It would be helpful if it advanced the initial discussions in which an official of my Department engaged with the sponsor of the Bill in the House of Commons. The issue is complex. First, it is in our interest that our time zone remain the same as that of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. It would give rise to considerable unnecessary difficulties if that were to change. Second, there is an added complexity should, for example, the United Kingdom and Ireland agree to the change in their respective jurisdictions. There are benefits to be derived from such change but there is also the difficulty of bringing other European Union member states along with us. Consideration must be given to how such a change would affect the interaction between the different time zones, specifically between this island and our neighbouring island and between this island and the main Continent of Europe.

Nevertheless, difficulties surrounding an issue are never a reason for not looking into it further. There would be value in the matter being pursued through the committee which is so ably chaired by the Deputy.

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