I move:
That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order: Winter Time Order, 1981
Winter Time Order, 1981: Motion.
The order complies with an EEC directive harmonising the starting date for summer time in 1981 and 1982 in EEC member states. The principal effect of the order will be that standard — summer — time will begin on 29 March in 1981 and on 28 March in 1982, that is one week later than it would have under our present law. A minor consequence will be that the time of change from summer time to winter time and vice versa will be at 1 a.m. Greenwich mean time, rather than 2 a.m. The proposed change from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. in respect of the ending of summer time in 1981 and 1982 is not prescribed in the directive but this change brings us into line with European Practice. The British authorities have made a similar change.
The Commission considers that the harmonisation of summer time periods would improve the efficiency of transport, communications, commerce and contacts generally between the countries concerned. Discussions with a view to standardising the "summer time" provisions in the EEC member states have been going on for several years. There are various problems including, of course, the fact that natural time in this country is substantially different from that of, say, Germany or Italy. So far all that has been agreed is the starting dates for summer time in 1981 and 1982. Discussions towards achieving further harmonisation are continuing. I now call on the House to approve this order.
This is not a subject which provokes strong feelings and we are all in agreement with what the Minister proposes. Harmonisation, as he points out, would be of use in many areas of life within the EEC. He also points out that nature will intervene to prevent total harmonisation. One point that I am always puzzled by, and I should know from my business experience, is in relation to the alteration in the closing times in the licensing laws. Does that follow the change from winter to summer time? If so, will the change in the licensing laws follow the changes now proposed by the Minister so that people will know that when winter time comes in the licensing hours will change?
I will be very brief because, like Senator Cooney, I do not find this in any way a controversial measure. It is a measure that one would welcome. I would also like to welcome the Minister of State into the House today. I would have dearly wished that he could have been here for an item which I tried to add to the Order of Business, and I see that he would have been able to be present. There was a reference to a report of the Law Reform Commission and I referred to the fact that this seems to be contrary to what was in the report.
This is not relevant.
It is very interesting that——
It may be, but it is not relevant to the motion.
It is relevant to my welcome to the Minister of State on this item. I welcome the fact that he is able to be here to change the winter time but he was not able to be here to deal with the Domicile Bill.
I welcome this proposal. It is a beginning anyway. It is difficult enough to keep travel dates for anybody who is travelling without having different summer and winter times between different countries. The Minister refers to EEC members states. Is there any harmonisation with the European countries that are not member states?
I should like briefly to put two questions to the Minister on this. He has mentioned the EEC directive. Do we take it that each of the ten member states is in agreement with this? Also some of the EEC member states have traditionally been two hours ahead of winter time. Has that been harmonised or will there still be the one hour differential in France and Italy as there has been up to now? I take it that all the timetables in preparation for this order have been already harmonised for the coming year.
Senator Cooney's question relating to the changes for liquor licensing laws is a separate matter and the order that is made has no relevance to liquor licensing law changes. Furthermore, the position that we have been trying to achieve is harmonisation of winter time for the reasons stated, for travel, communications, commerce and so on. Discussions are still continuing in relation to the harmonisation of summer time. These discussions are not final and it is hoped that when they are we will be in a position to bring an order before the House.
The hours of difference in member states are Ireland and England summer time GMT plus one hour, winter time GMT, Greece GMT plus three hours and all other states GMT plus two hours. Winter time in Greece is GMT plus two hours and in all other member states GMT plus one hour.
For clarification, the Minister might not have expressed himself clearly. Is there any objection to having the licensing hours changed with the time change?
It is not an issue as far as this order is concerned. We are dealing with a specific harmonisation of time. Britain and Ireland have been on one time and we are harmonising times. The liquor licensing closing or opening hours have no bearing on or relevance to this purpose.
I know, but I am asking if there is any objection to having them harmonised as well so that there will be no confusion.
That would have to be examined.
I asked the Minister what the position was regarding harmonisation with non-EEC members of Europe, such as Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria.
It was the decision of EEC member states to introduce summer time. Most continental countries also applied for summer time in 1980. These included Andorra, Austria, Spain, Greece, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
Question put and agreed to.