Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 11

Written Answers. - Central European Time.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

64 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of widespread public annoyance, the large extra energy and business costs, the increased dangers in road safety and the cutback in early evening leisure pursuits, she will consider making 1993/1994 the last winter in which Irish clocks are put back one hour; if she will put the country on Central European Time from spring 1994; and if she will liaise with her European colleagues on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The matter of harmonising time arrangements in the member states of the European Community is subject to continued review. In this regard, I am aware that consideration is being given in Britain to adopting Central European Time. My Department is monitoring developments in this regard. Before any change could be made it would be necessary to initiate a wide ranging consultation process, with all the various interested parties, prior to any decision being taken by the Government.