Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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1096. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider not putting the clocks back this October; if his attention has been drawn to the many benefits that would accrue from such a move, such as longer evenings for winter tourists, more physical recreation time for people after work or school, improved road safety conditions at peak times, less energy demand in the evening time and more positive mental health conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Dáil debated Deputy Broughan's Private Members - Brighter Evenings Bill 2012 on 5 July, 2013. During the course of the debate Deputy Broughan accepted my proposal that the matter be adjourned and the issues raised by his Bill be considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.

Consequently, in my letter of 25 July, 2013 to its Chairman, I asked the Committee to further examine the matters raised by Deputy Broughan's Bill and to seek submissions from interested parties. I also suggested that the Committee might contact members of the Westminster Parliament, along with those in the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh Assemblies.

Pending receipt of the report that I asked the Committee to publish detailing the advantages and difficulties relating to any change in our current time arrangements and its conclusion on the matter I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans at present to change our current time arrangements.