Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Now that we are part of Europe I wish to raise an issue that has become a hobbyhorse of mine. Next weekend we will, once again, lose an hour of daylight. I proposed some years ago that we should join central European time, even if the British do not come with us. As I said on a previous occasion, we should be willing to leave the nursery, even if nanny does not come with us. I have no wish to bring the matter up, but this is the appropriate week to do so. We should become part of Europe in this regard. There are benefits in social terms and for business and sport. More importantly, the evidence from the United Kingdom indicates that the number of road accidents would be reduced if daylight saving time was introduced. It makes sense. I will not make the case now, but urge the Leader to remind the relevant Minister of the need to look again at this matter.