asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline what his Department regards as being the net effect on the balance of payments in the event of Ireland achieving membership of the EEC; and what steps he envisages as being necessary for the continued attraction of external capital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Balance of Payments in EEC Conditions.
30.
Because of the many factors involved it would not be possible to quantify this aspect at this stage. Membership of the EEC has been sought, among other reasons, because of the benefits it will bring to the economy generally and the long-term effects on the balance of payments are not, therefore, expected to be adverse.
As regards the second part of the question, Ireland's membership of the Community would in itself constitute a considerable added attraction for external capital from all sources, both inside and outside the Community. This, together with the existing conditions which operate to attract external capital, is expected to ensure an adequate inflow of investment capital.