Vol. 228 No. 11
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the terms of General de Gaulle's press conference statement with regard to Britain's application to join the EEC, he will state what action, if any, the Government propose to take in respect of the application of this country to join the EEC.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on any change in Ireland's position as applicant for membership of the EEC as a result of President de Gaulle's recent press conference.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 1 and 2 together.
I have studied President de Gaulle's press conference statement on Britain's application to join the European Economic Community. In relation to our application, no action is called for at this stage beyond that already intended. As Deputies are no doubt aware, the British Prime Minister has indicated that his Government intend to pursue their application.
Can the Taoiseach say when negotiations are expected to commence on our application and if he is now in a position to say when a debate will take place here?
I cannot say at this stage when negotiations are likely to commence. As to when a debate will be taken. I would prefer, if possible, that at least some of my visits to the capitals of the Six would have been made before we would have a debate because I feel that a debate in such circumstances would probably be more meaningful. I certainly would hope to have the debate next month. I would hope not to delay it too long.
Will the Taoiseach say when he proposes to start his tour of the capitals of the Six and, also, is it proposed to make a separate approach on behalf of this country to the French President concerning our application?
I propose to visit each Member country and, appropriately, I should think that I would have a meeting with the Prime Minister of each country. If it can be arranged, I should like to meet the President of the French Republic but I do not know if that will be possible yet. I doubt if the visits could commence now before the summit meeting due to take place in Rome next week. I hope they will commence after that.
Would the Taoiseach say whether the statement on Britain's application by General de Gaulle was totally unexpected by him, and not to have been by Mr. Wilson? Further, will he say whether he thinks it necessary to have further consultation with Mr. Wilson before he sees the Heads of State in the other EEC countries?
General de Gaulle's statement was not totally unexpected to me. As I said already in a speech elsewhere, I regarded his attitude as rather more oncoming now than in 1963 when negotiations were broken off. What was the second part of the Deputy's supplementary question?
I asked if the Taoiseach thinks it would be necessary now to have further consultation with Mr. Wilson before he meets the Heads of State of the other EEC countries.
I do not think that will be necessary.
Do you not think that Harold has done all your visits for you?
I am making my own visits.
Are you making your own decisions?
This is merely a repeat performance, is it not?
Will the Taoiseach say why the proposed visits to the capitals of the Six have not taken place sooner than now?
My predecessor visited the capitals of the Six in connection with our initial application. In the meantime, our contacts were being maintained through the normal channels in the capitals of the Six as well as with the Commission of the EEC itself through ministerial and official contacts. I do not think it would have been appropriate before now to seek the meetings I have now sought with the Heads of Government of the Six.
Is that because of the French President's statement?
No. I had already intimated that I proposed to visit the Six before the French President spoke last week.
Is there any information as to what the attitude of General de Gaulle is to our application?
As far as we can understand from contacts already made, the attitude is quite favourably disposed.
Favourably disposed? Does this mean more favourably disposed to our application than to Britain's application?
I would not like to weigh one against the other. I do not know what is in the General's mind in that respect.
Does the Taoiseach still believe that if Britain gets in, our application will succeed?
I expect so.
Is it proposed to commence with the French Government?
Not necessarily, but if that seems to be the most appropriate and the most convenient way of conducting the business, that will happen.
Perhaps, in view of the proposed deferring of the debate, the Taoiseach may reconsider the suggestion that a White Paper be issued informing the Dáil and the country of the up-to-date position?
Something more informatory than the last one.
We will certainly make all information available as appears to be necessary and appropriate having regard to the stage of our negotiations.
Will the Taoiseach have a word with Potez, please?
Would this tour be in the nature of negotiations or merely a handshaking performance?
It will be a necessary preliminary to negotiations. I do not think anybody would object to that.
I presume the Taoiseach is going to get the goodwill of these people?
Yes.
Surely the Taoiseach should have gone before the meeting of heads of State of EEC countries to be held in ten days' time when a decision will be made?
Such a decision may not be made there. It is hardly likely that it will be.
