End of daylight saving time
Deputy Brendan Howlin raises the European Parliament vote to end seasonal clock changes and asks the Government’s view. The Taoiseach says no position has been decided, suggests a debate and indicative votes, and stresses he would not want Ireland and Northern Ireland in different time zones.
On my own behalf and on behalf of the Labour Party I wish to join others in remembering the late and wonderful Laura Brennan, an inspiration to all of us. We send our condolences today to her family and friends. I also remember the late former Deputy John Browne, although we will have another opportunity to comment in more detail on his contributions to public life.
The European Parliament has voted to end daylight saving time. From April 2021, member states will have a choice regarding the time system they adopt. The Parliament voted by 410 to 192 to adopt this. The decision now has to be adopted by the European Council. What is Ireland's position on this matter? Under the current system, all 28 EU member states switch to summer time on the last Sunday of March, which is this coming weekend, and back to winter time on the last Sunday of October. Ireland will be in a difficult position as the UK will be leaving the EU. There is the possibility of having two different time zones on the island of Ireland, as the UK has already declared it does not intend to switch from its current system. What is the Taoiseach's intention in this regard and how will Ireland be voting on the matter at the European Council?
Comment on this
It is a good question. I was pondering this myself yesterday when I was reading the report from the European Parliament. The truth is that the Government has not taken a position on it yet, nor have we discussed it. I would very much like to know the views of the House on this matter so perhaps we should have a debate on it. Maybe a few indicative votes might be worth experimenting with.
Comment on this
I will send out the pink sheets.
Comment on this
It would not kick in until April 2021 anyway, so we have plenty of time to make this decision, no pun intended. One thing about which the Deputy is absolutely right is that I could not and certainly would not wish to countenance a situation whereby Northern Ireland was in a different time zone from the rest of Ireland.
Comment on this
Newry and Dundalk having different time zones.