30 Samh 2011, 18:14
The Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality held a meeting on the socio-economic and other implications of Autumn and Spring time adjustment arrangements.
Speaking after today’s meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Deputy David Stanton said: “The Committee had a constructive and useful discussion with representatives from ISME, IFA and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on moving Ireland to Central European Time. We are conscious of the fact that the UK Government has set aside £750,000 for research into the possibility of moving to CET, so this is something we should examine and research in more depth.
I would like to thank all of those who appeared before the Committee today who provided a useful input into the debate on this topic. Among the issues highlighted from moving to CET were: energy savings; a positive impact on tourism from having an additional hour of daylight; reduction in crime levels; an increase in leisure and sporting activities; and a boost for trade as communications would be made easier as a change would result in our clocks being harmonised with most of our trading partners.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Dara Calleary, Michael Creed,Tom Hayes, Seán Kenny, Finian McGrath, Jonathan O’Brien, David Stanton (Chairman), Billy Timmins and Joanna Tuffy [Vice-Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik, Paul Bradford, Martin Conway, Rónán Mullen, Denis O’Donovan.