asked the Taoiseach what are the points in his statement made to the Council of Ministers in Brussels on which the member countries of EEC require further clarification at the meeting which is to be held on 11th May.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Market—Taoiseach's Brussels Statement.
1.
The points on which clarification is required have not yet been detailed. As stated in the official announcement of the 20th instant, they are of an economic character.
I should, however, make it clear that during the course of the negotiations with the member countries of the European Economic Community it may not be desirable in the national interest to disclose information as to the precise matters under discussion at any particular stage. While it will be my purpose, consistent with the successful outcome of the negotiations, to give the maximum amount of information in the Dáil, I cannot undertake, in advance, to answer all questions of this nature, and indeed, I hope that Deputies will not press unduly for information in circumstances which might create additional difficulties in the negotiations.
Was, therefore, the Taoiseach's statement on 16th January necessarily a limited statement? Was it deliberately limited in the information he gave?
I think one can readily understand that information may be desired in elaboration of that statement. I do not know yet the extent to which it may be sought.
Can the Taoiseach say whether any question has been raised either officially or unofficially by the European Economic Community as to our ability to bear the responsibility, economically, which could fall upon us if we were admitted a full member of the European Economic Community?
No such question has been raised yet.