“High time to end bi-annual clock change” – MEP Kelly

Ahead of the clocks going forward an hour at 1am on Sunday morning (26 March) in keeping with the bi-annual time change, Seán Kelly MEP has called on the European Commission to bring forward proposals to abolish the “archaic” practice.

Kelly is Ireland’s only Member of a group of MEPs campaigning for the bi-annual clock change and has voiced serious concerns for public health in calling for the abolition of the time change in his role:

“My colleagues and I are concerned by the serious health and safety concerns that this change of time presents to citizens. Various studies prove that going against the natural rhythm has a detrimental impact on sleep and overall health, leading to weakened immunity, increased anxiety and depression in some cases,” Mr Kelly said.

“More recently, we have noted increased calls from citizens for an overhaul in this regard. I am therefore fully supportive of a European Parliament Motion to end the practice.

“We have asked the European Commission to bring forward proposals to abolish the clock change. In the meantime, we are taking this issue to the public. I would encourage constituents to contact me or the European Commission in order to express their views and preferences in relation to this.

“I believe it to be an unnecessary, archaic exercise and it is high time – all puns intended – that we address the issue of daylight savings and put an end to this unnecessary practice,” the Ireland South MEP said.