andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach what are the precise political commitments to which this country will be bound by becoming a full member of the Common Market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Political Commitments of EEC Membership.
20.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
It will be recalled that in replying to a number of questions on 15th November last I mentioned that discussions had been taking place within a Special Committee appointed by the Member States of the EEC to produce an instrument which would give effect to the Bonn Declaration of 18th July last and that this instrument would provide for consultation and co-operation over a wide field including foreign policy. Until this Committee has completed its work no more precise indication can be given of the political commitments which may arise.
In the light of that reply, might I ask the Taoiseach why he has stated—the statement has been published—that we back the EEC political aims, if he does not know what they are?
Is it not a fact that the Minister for Industry and Commerce said at Trinity in November of last year that membership would inevitably lead to co-operation in defence and foreign policy?
The Bonn Declaration, to which another question on the Order Paper relates, indicated the desire of the members of the European Community to welcome as members other European states which shared their political aims. A Committee was set up to define these political aims. The Declaration made it clear that the aims would include the organisation of consultation and co-operation in the field of foreign policy.
And defence.
It is, I think, reasonable to assume that foreign policy includes defence.
Yes, defence and foreign policy.
Does the Deputy want to "go it alone"?
We will not go at all if the British stay out.