andMr. T. O'Donnell asked the Taoiseach if he has noted a measure of agreement within the Common Market countries on agricultural problems which will enable the negotiations under the Kennedy tariff round agreement to proceed under the aegis of GATT; and, if so, if Ireland's application to this latter body has yet been accepted to enable this country to take part in these Kennedy round negotiations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kennedy Round Negotiations.
2.
We are giving constant attention to recent developments within the European Economic Community in relation to the financing of the Community's Common Agricultural Policy, the introduction of single market organisations for the major agricultural products, and the formation of a number of offers for the Kennedy Round negotiations.
With regard to the second part of the question, Ireland has, in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Contracting Parties of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, taken steps to participate in the Kennedy Round negotiations. In this regard I refer the Deputy to my reply to a Dáil Question on the 18th May.
Do I take it from the Taoiseach's reply that our application to accede to GATT has been accepted?
The application does not become operative until the Trade Agreement with Great Britain comes into operation on 1st July.
Surely I understand the Minister for External Affairs to say on a Supplementary Estimate that we have made application to accede to GATT and that was being considered by a select body within that organisation? Can the Taoiseach say if there has been any reply yet?
I have explained to the Deputy that the possibility of making application for membership to GATT turned on the conclusion of the new Trade Agreement with Britain. That has been negotiated and comes into operation on 1st July. After that date we expect our application for membership of GATT will proceed in the normal way.
Have we had any information that we are going to be accepted?
I have no reason to think otherwise.
In other words, we are waiting until we find out what Britain will do?
Britain has nothing to do with it.
You have no policy of your own.