Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On my own behalf and on behalf of the Labour Party I wish to join others in remembering the late and wonderful Laura Brennan, an inspiration to all of us. We send our condolences today to her family and friends. I also remember the late former Deputy John Browne, although we will have another opportunity to comment in more detail on his contributions to public life.

The European Parliament has voted to end daylight saving time. From April 2021, member states will have a choice regarding the time system they adopt. The Parliament voted by 410 to 192 to adopt this. The decision now has to be adopted by the European Council. What is Ireland's position on this matter? Under the current system, all 28 EU member states switch to summer time on the last Sunday of March, which is this coming weekend, and back to winter time on the last Sunday of October. Ireland will be in a difficult position as the UK will be leaving the EU. There is the possibility of having two different time zones on the island of Ireland, as the UK has already declared it does not intend to switch from its current system. What is the Taoiseach's intention in this regard and how will Ireland be voting on the matter at the European Council?

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