asked the Taoiseach if following the conclusion of the recent Anglo-Irish trade negotiations he considers the time is opportune to seek some form of association with the Common Market countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Association with Common Market Countries.
1.
In the debate on the adjournment on 26th April, I expressed the opinion that, now that the Trade Agreement with Britain had been concluded, we could investigate the possibilities of arrangements with the European regional groupings, but that it would not be opportune to embark on formal negotiations with the Commission of the European Economic Community pending the development of the talks which are taking place concerning the future relations between the Community and the European Free Trade Association, and concerning trade problems generally. This is still my opinion. I might add that, as I also indicated in the Dáil on that occasion, we have made known to the members of the Committee on European Trade Problems, through its Chairman, the Netherlands Foreign Minister, Mr. Luns, our anxiety that a solution should be found for these problems in a manner consonant with the spirit of European economic cooperation and that, subject to the maintenance of the special trading relationship provided for in the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreements and to our obligations under those Agreements, we would be prepared, if suitable arrangements were made for us to share in the advantages of the new trade and economic developments in Europe, to agree to make regular reductions in our own protective tariffs in favour of the countries concerned in accordance with broad principles which would take account of our own economic circumstances.