Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Since last Sunday there has been an air of depression in the country about which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, can do something. He is a new Minister who can make a name for himself by leading the way in having us revert to central European time instead of having to put up with darkness at 5 p.m. each afternoon for the next six months.

It is interesting that British newspapers are today referring to the introduction of a restricted, watered down smoking ban in pubs. We led the way with a levy on plastic bags and the smoking ban so let us lead the way with Ireland joining central European time so we do not lose the hour each year. We should discuss the issue with counterparts in Northern Ireland and point out the advantages. We should be willing to leave the nursery, even if nanny does not come with us. We do not need the British with us on this matter. The benefits for us are significant, so let us ensure we do something about it. The new Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, will have the country's support on this issue.

I was talking to someone from Newcastle, County Down, yesterday who informed me the area cannot receive RTE. I do not know the intricacies of the situation.