asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in addition to planned reductions already announced, tariffs on industrial goods will be further reduced as a result of the conclusion of negotiations of the Kennedy round by GATT countries, irrespective of whether or not Ireland enters the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff Reductions.
39.
I presume the Deputy is referring to reductions in Irish tariffs. Ireland's negotiations for accession to the GATT, which are taking place in the context of the Kennedy round, have not yet been completed and, accordingly, I am not in a position to make any useful statement at this stage.
Surely the position will be that if we are to have our reduction of tariffs running on parallel lines to whatever GATT decrees, this will correct our reduction plans, if we are seeking accession to GATT?
I should not like to add anything further.
40.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if tariffs operating against industrial goods entering other countries will be reduced as a result of the conclusion of the Kennedy round of talks by GATT countries, irrespective of whether or not Ireland enters the EEC.
Ireland expects shortly to become a contracting party to the GATT and as such she will be entitled to the benefit of tariff reductions negotiated in that organisation.
Can the Minister say if such tariffs will extend not only over the industrial but the agricultural field and will they include cattle?
I do not know.