Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some years ago I introduced the topic of how Europe could arrange to have a fixed date for Easter. I approached Mr. Barroso and he said "No", that he was going to stay away from that issue. However, an interesting development occurred during the past week. The disadvantage of Easter falling on a date which could change in range by 35 days from one year to the next has resulted in the Archbishop of Canterbury calling on the different European churches to get together on the matter. This year in particular, from Ireland's perspective, with St. Patrick's Day and Easter falling so close together, the school holidays are stretching to three weeks. I understand it cannot be dealt with in this House, but it is a matter on which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade could approach Europe, or indeed the Minister of State with responsibility for Europe could initiate the discussion. It could be asked if there is a future on the subject and if something could be done. Engagement would be needed with churches, such as the Coptic Church and the Church of England among others, and with the Pope. There would be many benefits to fixing the date of Easter and it would be a shame to just ignore it and not do anything about it.

I turn now to the ban in the United States of America on soap body washes and toothpastes which contain microbeads. I did not know a lot about microbeads but they do not get filtered by wastewater treatment plants. The beads are discharged directly into rivers, lakes and the oceans. Microbeads are highly damaging to the natural environment and its wildlife. Natural alternatives exist and banning the use of microbeads in personal care products makes sense. The Wildlife Conservation Society has called for this and we should also consider a ban. The United States of America has banned their use but we still allow microbeads and we should consider what might be done about the situation.