asked the Taoiseach if he has considered the advisability of this country becoming associated with the European Economic Community (Common Market); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Economic Community.
1.
Among the questions at present under examination by the Government in connexion with our external trade policy is that of our future relations with the European Economic Community. I am not in a position to say anything more on the subject at the present time.
Could the Taoiseach indicate when he would be in a position to make a comprehensive statement on the question of our association with one or other of these group?
It is not easy to answer that question. I am naturally anxious to give the Dáil as much information as possible on these matters so long as no damage is done to the national interest by disclosing our ideas or giving information in advance of the appropriate time. I appreciate that the Dáil will be entitled to receive a general statement on the Government's policy regarding external trade matters and I shall certainly make that statement at the earliest moment it is possible to do so.
Will the Taoiseach note the forbearance on the part of the Opposition to press him on these matters in view of the considerations which he has just named and which is based on the assumption that the Taoiseach will take the Dáil into confidence at the earliest proper occasion?
I appreciate the forbearance which has been shown by the Opposition in this matter.
The Taoiseach is on record as having said that we could not become a member of any European grouping of which Great Britain was not a member. Does he still stand by that statement?
I think that is one of the facts to which we have to have regard in deciding our policy, but both the Rome Treaty, which established the European Economic Market, and the European Free Trade Association Agreement appear to contemplate the possibility of association without full membership.