asked the Taoiseach whether in relation to the proposals for a European Free Trade Area the Government proposes: (1) that Ireland should join, and if so, on what terms; (2) to issue a White Paper embodying the views of representative organisations and departmental observations; and (3) to seek the authority of the Oireachtas before taking final steps and, if so, at what stage in the negotiations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Free Trade Area.
As regards the first part of the Deputy's Question, the time for a definite answer in the form of "yes" or "no" has not yet arrived; the position has not changed since the previous Government decided that no commitment in regard to the Free Trade Area should be entered into until every possibility had been explored of securing adequate safeguards for this country. In accordance with his instructions, the Irish representative at the meeting of the Council of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation on the 12th February, 1957, made it clear that Ireland's decision on the question of joining or not joining the area would, of course, depend on our assessment of how our national interests would be affected. While referring to Ireland's favourable attitude to movements by European countries towards closer economic association, he urged that the aim should be to establish conditions which would enable every member country of the organisation to enter the area without fear of serious damage to its economic fabric.
The Council of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation has set up three working parties in connection with the proposed establishment of the area, and Ireland is participating in the activities of these working parties.
As regards the second part of the Question, it is proposed to issue, in the near future, a memorandum for the information and guidance of interested organisations and individuals, which will bring up to date the information on the Free Trade Area proposal contained in the memorandum which was published in January last. With regard to departmental observations, these are made to the Ministers concerned, whose views will be taken into account before the Government take any decision on this matter. It would be inappropriate to publish departmental observations. The extent to which it is necessary or appropriate to publish observations received from represenative organisations will be considered in due course; most of the representative organisations concerned have not yet formally submitted their views.
As regards the third part of the Question, it is intended that, in due course, the decision taken by the Government in relation to the proposed European Free Trade Area will be brought before Dáil Éireann. At this stage, one cannot clearly foresee how the matter may develop, and all that can be said definitely, at the moment, is that, before any final commitment of the State, concerning the area, is entered into, consultation with Dáil Éireann will take place.