asked the Taoiseach if Ireland will now apply for associate membership of the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
Developments in the European Economic Community are being followed closely and I see no reason at this stage to modify our application for membership of the Community. I would, however, direct the Deputy's attention to my remarks, in this connection, in the Dáil on Wednesday last.
Perhaps the Taoiseach would be good enough to say what exactly is the status of our present application for membership? Is it under consideration, or is it suspended, or are negotiations proceeding in regard to it?
Action on it has been suspended.
It rests there, to be revived at our instance, if and when we ask for it?
Yes.
Doubtless the Taoiseach will inform the Dáil, if and when he intends to revive the application?
Certainly.
Did the Taoiseach not say last week that he might give some consideration to a form of association with EEC?
Not quite in that form. We are not thinking of association with the Common Market as the permanent relationship between Ireland and the Community, but it will be remembered that a member of the Commission, M. Rey, who visited Ireland last year, suggested it would be advantageous to examine the possibility of an interim arrangement until full membership is possible.
I was under the impression that the Taoiseach said last week that in the circumstances in which we found ourselves vis-à-vis Britain, we might consider some form of association? I was wondering if he intended to take any steps towards that end?
The word "association" has a particular meaning in the context of the Treaty of Rome. I used it to signify an interim arrangement rather than a formal association.
Even in regard to that interim arrangement, is the Taoiseach considering that now?
We are considering it.
Is it a fact that action on all applications is suspended?
Yes.
I take it that means we might consider opening negotiations with Brussels for a trade agreement with the Common Market, which would fall neither within the category of association, as technically defined in the Treaty of Rome, nor of membership, as defined in the Treaty of Rome?
I must say I am thinking of something of more significance than a trade agreement, which would be a normal arrangement to have with the Community, once they have reached the stage of having a common external commercial policy.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if the Government still believe that this country will be a full member of the EEC by 1970; and, if so, if he will state the grounds for this belief.
While future development of the European Economic Community is impossible to forecast, I see no sufficient reason to modify at this stage our expectation of membership of the Community by 1970.
Could we assume from that the Taoiseach considers that Great Britain will be a member by that date?
I am basing my view on the opinions expressed to us by Governments of countries in the Community that it is reasonable to assume that by 1970 the situation will be such to permit of our proceeding with our application.
Would the Taoiseach say whether or not there would be consultations, or mention of our application for membership of the EEC, with the British Government, if and when our Government meet the British Government with a view to formulating a new trade agreement?
This is something I have not considered.
Would the Taoiseach not think it would be desirable?
I will consider it at the time.