asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the failure of the Free Trade Area negotiations he will publish a White Paper on the possible economic consequences of this country joining the European Economic Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Economic Community.
5.
Although the negotiations for the establishment of a European Free Trade Area were suspended in November last, efforts to conclude some form of economic association between the European Economic Community and the other countries of the O.E.E.C. are still continuing. At present the institutions of the community are engaged in drafting proposals for such an association and have undertaken that these proposals will be submitted to the O.E.E.C. in a matter of weeks.
In the circumstances, I would not consider it appropriate at present to publish a study of the consequences which would flow from an application by Ireland for membership of the European Economic Community.