asked the Minister for Finance whether any estimate has been made as to the possible contribution which this country would be asked to make to (a) the European Social Fund and (b) the European Investment Bank should this country become a member of the European Economic Community; and, if so, what are the amounts of these estimates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland's Contribution to EEC Bodies.
6.
This matter will form part of the negotiations on our application for membership of the European Economic Community. Accordingly, I do not feel it would be proper for me to express an opinion as to what our contributions to the European Social Fund and the European Investment Bank may be.
Could the Minister say what factors might be taken into account when it is being determined?
Principally the national output.
National income?
National income or output.
Has the matter already been the subject of negotiation?
No.
In view of the fact that both of these funds are concerned with the problem of disemployment arising out of membership, is it the practice to allow moneys to be made available to the Government in anticipation of our joining, or do we have to wait a whole year before we have access to these funds?
We must become members before we can use the funds.
There is no method whereby we can get access to them for at least a year?
No.