Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I know that when any of us refers to legislation being passed in the other House, we are told it is not our business. I ask the Leader to draw to the attention of the Minister concerned the fact that the Daylight Saving Bill has passed Second Stage in the British House of Commons. The reason I raise this matter is that it will be on Committee Stage in the next few weeks. It proposes that Britain should join central European time which would give it an extra hour's daylight every evening. The Cathaoirleach will know that I have been arguing this point for many years. My argument is that we should be doing something about it. I was contacted recently by people in the British House of Commons who told me that Northern Ireland is concerned that if it joins central European time, it will be operating in a different time zone from this State. It is proposed that Britain will change over in the next couple of years on a trial basis, as happened in the years 1968 to 1971.

I am a firm believer that there are many benefits in this country joining central European time and gaining an extra hour of daylight every evening of the year. The number of road accidents would be reduced quite dramatically, as was the case during the trial period. There would be an energy saving, something that is now more important than it was 30 years ago. Along with the advantages to tourism, these are just some of the benefits to be had from joining central European time. I raise this issue because if Britain determines to do so now we will be seen to be coming after it. In the past I said we should be willing to leave the nursery even if nanny does not come with us. We should claim that it is our intention to move and let it be seen that we are leading on this issue. It would have so many benefits that the British would follow us. I would like the Leader to call to the attention of the Minister that this change is likely to happen very shortly and we do not want to be seen to be following Britain.

In regard to the Construction Contracts Bill which was passed by this House in March, it will go before the Dáil. It is the intention of the Government that it will pass and I look forward to making sure that happens during the coming months.