Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1963

Vol. 203 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Adherence to GATT.

1.

Sir Anthony Esmonde

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it was agreed by the Ministers of GATT, on 16th to 21st May, 1963, at Geneva that it was open to each country to request additional trade concessions, or to modify its own offers, where it is necessary to obtain a balance of advantages between it and other participating countries, in an endeavour to secure a basis of reciprocity; and if he considers such arrangements to be an encouragement to this country to renew its application for adherence to GATT.

2.

Sir Anthony Esmonde

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at the meeting of the Ministers of GATT at Geneva, on 16th to 21st May, 1963, they agreed that, in view of the importance of agriculture in world trade, trade negotiations should provide for acceptable conditions of access to world markets for agricultural products; and if, in the light of these findings, he considers that it might now be advisable to pursue this country's application for accession to GATT.

The Taoiseach

With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

I take it that the questions refer to certain paragraphs of the Resolution adopted at the recent Ministerial meeting of the Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade concerning the trade negotiations which the Ministers agreed should open under the auspices of GATT in May, 1964. The Deputy may be assured that all aspects of that Resolution are being taken into account in our consideration of the position with regard to our application for membership of the GATT.

I might add that Ireland was represented by an observer at the meeting of GATT Ministers last month.

Sir Anthony Esmonde

Could the Taoiseach indicate whether the application is to be pursued or not?

The Taoiseach

I do not think I should do that yet.

Sir Anthony Esmonde

Does the Taoiseach not consider, in the light of this Resolution, that it is much more open to this country to apply for membership than heretofore?

The Taoiseach

That is not quite the consideration we have to keep in mind.

Sir Anthony Esmonde

What is to prevent our proceeding with our application to GATT?

The Taoiseach

That would be a long statement.