andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach what preparations are being made to deal with the situation if the negotiations with EEC break down.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Negotiations.
1.
Such a purely hypothetical situation is not one which could be usefully contemplated at the present time.
Would the Taoiseach answer the question? Has the Government in mind any alternative or have they given any consideration to the possibility that our EEC application will not be accepted?
That is the same question all over again.
Surely, without showing the Taoiseach the good example set elsewhere, I can point out to him that a far greater power than Ireland has, for the past nine months, in the words of its Premier, been considering the alternative if Britain's application is not successful. Surely, if a nation like Britain——
The Deputy is making an argument, not asking a question.
Surely it is not unfair in those circumstances to suggest that Ireland should be taking some steps if an alternative is necessary?
I am glad to see the Deputy waving the old flag.
Is it not a fact that the Tánaiste has said, and I think recently, that it is possible we will not be accepted? Would the Taoiseach in those circumstances say whether to he has given any consideration to the alternative?
Any decisions we make will be based upon facts.
Whatever the outcome, is it not clear that we are going into an era of freer trade and keener competition?
Yes, that is inevitable.