andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the under-developed state of Irish industry and of the decision by Britain not to enter the Common Market unless the preferential trading situation with commonwealth countries is not substantially changed Ireland could seek membership which would protect her preferential trading pattern with Britain and not subject her to the intense European competition in industry and agriculture implicit in full membership of EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Market: Ireland's Preferential Trading Position with Britain.
3.
As a basic objective of the European Economic Community is the creation of a Common Market in which no member would have preference over any other member, it would be unrealistic to think that we could obtain membership while preserving our preferential trading pattern with Britain.
In the event of our application for full membership not being accepted, has the Taoiseach turned down completely the idea of association?
I do not think we could or should consider that situation until it arises.