AN OFFICIAL FROM the Department of Enterprise has suggested there would be ‘definite benefits’ to moving Ireland’s time zone one hour ahead – meaning we would be on the same time as France and Germany.

The civil servant told an Oireachtas committee that sharing a time zone with central Europe would offer trade benefits, particularly to exporters.

Business representatives also pointed out advantages to the move, with Jim Curran of ISME saying it would boost tourism and leisure industries, and potentially help to cut crime.

The UK’s parliament is considering legislation to move all its clocks forward by one hour – both winter and summer – on a trial basis for three years.

However, concerns were raised in the Oireachtas about the extra hour of darkness on winter mornings – and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said he has “no plans at present to change the present time zone arrangements”.

So what do you think? Should Ireland change its time zone by an hour to align with central Europe?