andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if an estimate has yet been completed as to the number of industries which because of their size or subsidiary nature will not survive free-trade conditions in Europe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Market: Survival of Irish Industries.
43.
The position is as indicated by me on 22nd February, 1962, in reply to a similar question by the Deputies.
When the Minister finds that approximately 70 per cent. or 80 per cent. of our industries will not survive going into the Common Market, do we still propose to go ahead with our application or will we consider application for associate membership?
I do not expect the inquiry will find any such thing as the Deputy suggests.
In view of the fact that the Minister has not yet the information available, does he hope to have it available in time for the serious negotiations due to take place next month?
I told the Deputy already that the investigations were well advanced. They are even more advanced now than they were then.
I appreciate the Minister's reply, but does he believe he will have a full and detailed picture of the situation when the serious negotiations are undertaken next month?
I hope it will be established, despite the wishes of the Deputies, that Irishmen are as good as Europeans any day.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister has more regard for every foreigner from Europe than for his own people.
Germans, Japanese, French——
Order!
If the Minister thinks he is going to get away with that kind of insult——
Deputy McQuillan should allow the business to proceed.
The Minister has cast a reflection on Deputies by saying that they have no regard for their fellow Irishmen.
The Deputy will resume his seat.