asked the Taoiseach if, in view of his statement of 15th November that the Government's expectation is that in the circumstances of the EEC there will be such considerable development of new industries that overall employment will increase, not diminish, he will state on what studies, carried out by Governmental or other bodies, his statement is based; whether he has any certain knowledge of new industries which would be set up in this country should Ireland become a member of EEC; and, if so, what industries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Industrial Development.
1.
Future industrial expansion in this country depends almost entirely on the prospects of export markets. It is obvious that these prospects will be enhanced by our membership of the European Economic Community. On the other hand, with Britain proposing to join the Community, it is clear that any doubt about our intention to do likewise would discourage further industrial development here.
The expectation I have expressed that the growth of new industries will lead to an overall increase in industrial employment is based on the industrial expansion now taking place and on the flow of new industrial proposals which is continuing because of our known intention of joining the European Economic Community.
Does the Taoiseach consider that the increase in employment in these industries which he anticipates will be sufficient to take up any disemployment or unemployment that may occur in the initial stages of our membership of the European Economic Community?
Naturally we hope that will be so.
Would the Taoiseach state at this stage what, in his judgment, would be the results on the prospective industrial development here if Great Britain joined the Community and we did not?
I have no doubt that not merely would all present development cease but many existing industries would be greatly handicapped in their future development.
It is useful to have that on record.