asked the Taoiseach if relative to his recent speech at Mallow he has intimated to the governing body of the European Economic Community (the Common Market) the terms on which this country would be prepared to join the Common Market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Market.
2.
The answer to the Deputy's Question is in the negative.
In my speech at Mallow on the 24th May, I spoke of certain factors which we would regard as relevant "in whatever discussions may take place in the event of our seeking inclusion in new trading arrangements in Europe". We have not, so far, made any approach to the European Economic Community. In this connection I would refer the Deputy to what I said in the House on 16th May, in reply to a number of Questions on the subject.
Did the Taoiseach not state that the Government required certain conditions to be fulfilled in the event of this country seeking some form of association with the Common Market and, if the Taoiseach and the Government are quite clear as to the nature of those conditions, would the time not be opportune now to start negotiations with the Common Market Six rather than wait for the British Government to make a decision and then have us in the position of following them?
It is a matter of judgment. In my view, the time is not opportune.
You have no choice.
It means that we do nothing.
Would the Taoiseach indicate when he thinks the time may be appropriate?
When Macmillan tells him so.
Our position in this matter is much the same as that announced by the Government of Denmark and which I think is also the position of the Government of Norway, that the timing of our application, if there is to be an application, to the European Economic Community will depend upon other developments which will indicate that membership of the Community is likely to be extended.
Would the Taoiseach say what developments, for instance, he has in mind?
I said developments which would indicate that membership of the Community is likely to be extended.
The Government of Denmark wiped our eye in regard to bacon.
So far as Deputies opposite are concerned, it would help the people and the Government if they would indicate their own views.
It would help this House if the Taoiseach would make a statement here, not in Mallow.
Would it not help the Opposition very considerably if the Taoiseach would inform Dáil Éireann of what has happened, what is happening and give the Dáil the information which he wishes to assume the appearance of giving to an assembly in Mallow and which in fact he is not giving? We have not received from the Government, although we have asked repeatedly, any information whatever as to any discussions that have taken place between our Government and the Authority and, in the absence of that information, we cannot offer informed criticism or informed advice. If and when the Taoiseach gives us the information which he ought to have and should be prepared to give us, we will gladly give him our opinion as to what is best to be done.
The Deputy should pay more attention to what is going on in the Dáil. All the information that the Deputy has asked for has been given and no statement has been made outside which was not made here first.
I want to state quite categorically that we have repeatedly asked for any information that may be available or if any contacts are being maintained by representatives of our Government with the Authority in Brussels and we have been told that adequate representation is there but, as to what is happening or what discussion has taken place, we do not know and we shrewdly suspect that no discussions have taken place because the Government do not know their own mind.
No question has been asked by any Deputy in regard to this matter that has not been fully and accurately answered.
That is quite untrue.
That is not true.
The Deputy would not know.
You would not know. You ought to get a doctor for yourself.
They would not attend him.
Would the Taoiseach seriously consider making at least some exploratory contacts with the Common Market Six?
I have made quite definite and clear my opinion that the time is not yet opportune to do that.
If we make suggestions to the Taoiseach he turns them down and then he says we will not make suggestions.
I have heard no argument to make me change my view on this matter.
In other words, the Government have done nothing in the matter.
Deputy Sweetman, apparently, has not paid attention to what has happened in the Dáil.
I am asking the Taoiseach.
I advise him to pay attention to what has happened in the Dáil.
I am asking the Taoiseach categorically has he or has he not made any contact with the Authority in Brussels? Will he answer that question yes or no?
I have just informed the Dáil that we have not yet made any approach to the European Economic Community.
In other words, you have done nothing.
When I asked you that question last week your answer was that the permanent representation you have in Brussels was quite adequate to get any contact you considered necessary.
That is not true.
It is true. It is on the records of the House.