EU time change vote could lead to different time zones in Ireland – Matt Carthy MEP
Sinn Féin MEPs this week voted against a proposal from the EU Commission to discontinue seasonal time changes by 2021. Midlands North West MEP Matt Carthy has criticised the move as an unnecessary power grab by the Commission, which may result in the ridiculous situation where there are two different time zones on the island of Ireland.
Speaking from Strasbourg, Carthy said: “The decision by the European Parliament to support the Commission’s proposal on seasonal time changes is unfortunate and badly timed. At a moment when we are attempting to deal with the fallout of Brexit, this vote could result in the absurd situation where we could potentially have two different time zones in Ireland.
“The British government will determine the time zone for the North, and the Commission will determine the time zone for the southern state, with the people of our island not having a direct say.
“There are different views on seasonal time changes and its impact. But this Directive says member states must inform the European Commission if they wish to adjust their seasonal time changes, and that the decision on whether to authorise this is then up to the Commission. It is a clear example of completely unnecessary over-reach by the European Commission with the acquiescence of Irish MEPs.”
ENDS
