I move:
That Dáil Éireann approve the Summer Time Order, 1963.
The Order provides that the period of Summer Time in 1964 will be from 22nd March to 25th October which is a week longer than the period we had in 1963. If the Order were not made the period of Summer Time would be from 19th April to 4th October. In effect, the Order lengthens the period of Summer Time by seven weeks altogether — four weeks in the spring and three weeks in the autumn.
The period proposed is that which has already been fixed for Britain and the Six Counties and it is to synchronise with them that we have made the Order. Otherwise, while we would have the same time as they have for the greater part of the year, there would be short periods in spring and autumn when we would differ from them by an hour. I need hardly stress that failure to synchronise would cause serious difficulties in relation to cross-Channel traffic, postal services, and so on. It is to avoid this that the Order is made.
I recommend the Order for the approval of the House.