During the course of the topical issue debate of 26 October, 2011 concerning daylight saving I stated that I had no plans at that time to change our current time zone arrangements or to conduct an analysis of extending summer time. I further stated that in considering any potential changes to our current time arrangements we must consider what is happening in the UK, not least because we have the same time arrangements, they are our biggest trading partner and we share a border with Northern Ireland.
I have noted that the UK's Daylight Saving Bill has fallen and wish to advise the Deputy that my position in relation to this issue remains unchanged i.e. I have no plans at this time to change our current time zone arrangements or to conduct an analysis of extending summer time. Although the Daylight Saving Bill may have fallen officials of my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs are continuing to keep a close watch on the debate in the UK concerning any potential changes to their time arrangements. Finally, I can inform the Deputy that officials from my Department met with the Daylight Saving Bill's sponsor, Rebecca Harris, MP in February 2011 but have not done so since then.