asked the Minister for External Affairs if, in the recent discussions between Irish and British civil servants relative to trade between the two countries, the possibility of a wider trade agreement with more beneficial results to both economies was discussed; and, if so, if he will make a statement on those discussions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish-British Trade Agreement.
9.
The talks between British and Irish officials on the 23rd November were limited to the scope of Article 5 of the 1960 Trade Agreement. That Article, as the Deputy is aware, provides that representatives of the two Governments will meet at least once a year to discuss the trading relations between the two countries and, in particular, to exchange information and views on agricultural policies and production trends.
Do these discussions have any relation to discussions with regard to the Common Market? It would seem, in view of the present position in Europe, that it would be very hard to have reasonable discussions on matters of trade apart from the implications of our entry into the Common Market.
These discussions arose out of Clause 5 of the Agreement of 1960. Under that clause, it was agreed that representatives of the two Governments would meet annually to discuss matters arising out of trading relations.
Then these are only routine discussions?
They are limited to the scope of that clause.
Are there no ministerial discussions going on between this country and the United Kingdom with regard to the Common Market?
None at ministerial level.