asked the Taoiseach if he has any information concerning a change of attitude by the French Government towards application for membership of the EEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the report of a statement by General de Gaulle indicating that he felt that the obstacles which were keeping Britain out of EEC were weakening; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government have been following very closely recent developments in this matter, particularly the statement on the 24th November by the French Minister of Information. While we have no more information than was conveyed by that statement we naturally welcome any indication of a development in the situation as it may affect our application for membership for the European Economic Community.
In the light of that statement, does the Taoiseach think that any direct approach should be made to the Community?
The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that a situation exists in the EEC which rather discourages any initiative at this time. But this situation will, no doubt, be resolved some time.
As our application for membership of the EEC is not actually withdrawn—it is deferred for some time—would it not be desirable that we should have some official contact with the EEC at this critical period?
We have an Ambassador accredited to them. There is in the EEC a situation which has to be resolved before any decisions of this kind are likely to be possible.
If Great Britain goes into the EEC, we go in and if Great Britain does not go into the EEC, we do not go in.
That is not a question.
It is beyond question.