Feargal Quinn (Independent)

It is a beautiful day today. In ten days' time, however, we will lose an hour in the evening. We will gain an hour in the morning but that is not of much use to us for the rest of the year. I urge that we take this step in view of the benefits to business, reduction in energy consumption and increased leisure time.

Some may contend that this change cannot be made unless it is also undertaken by the United Kingdom. My view is that we could encourage Northern Ireland to join us in this undertaking, just as we support it in aligning its corporation tax rate with ours. We should not be afraid to leave the nursery without nanny. We should take this step on our own and could well convince the British Government of its merits. I urge the Leader to facilitate a debate on energy that would encompass issues such as this.