Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am about to repeat myself by raising an issue I have frequently discussed in the past. Today, we will have approximately one minute less daylight than yesterday, the longest day of the year. A campaign was launched in the British House of Commons yesterday to urge the British Government to adopt UK summertime throughout the year. I note the group in question does not suggest joining central European time. The arguments in favour of such a move are sufficiently strong to have won the acceptance of the Tories and the Labour Party. I believe Britain will switch to central European time and I hope Ireland will not find itself unprepared for such an eventuality.

Ireland and Britain joined central European time in 1968 and until 1971 both countries enjoyed an extra hour of daylight throughout the year. Adopting central European time would deliver fuel savings, a reduction in carbon emissions, business and tourism benefits and fewer road traffic accidents. There is no question, therefore, that we should proceed with my proposal. We did not do so in the past because the British were unlikely to join central European time at the same time. As I have argued previously, we should be willing to leave the nursery, even if nanny does not come with us, although I accept we would have to coax Northern Ireland to join us in switching time zones. We could achieve this outcome.

I urge the Leader to draw to the Minister's attention the possibility of Britain joining central European time in the near future. Let us ensure that Ireland is ready for any such announcement and enjoys the benefit of an extra hour of daylight throughout the year.