asked the Taoiseach if he has received any communication or indication from the EEC Commission suggesting some form of transitional arrangements between this country and the EEC other than actual membership.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
The answer is "No".
Can the Taoiseach say yet when formal negotiations are expected to start?
I am afraid I cannot.
Has the Taoiseach himself taken the initiative in finding out whether or not what has been suggested by Deputy Cosgrave, namely, a form of association, could be applied to Ireland?
I have not because this is only a suggestion which has been made; it is supposed to have emanated in France and apparently it has not found approval in the minds of the British Government.
If Ireland's application is rejected, do the Government accept that rejection as such or are they prepared then to negotiate for association?
I should prefer not to answer that question until such time as we know where our application stands.
The Taoiseach will not make up his mind to say "Yes" or "No" on the application.
As I have said, it will depend on the manner in which the British application is treated.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that Deputy Cosgrave's suggestion is one that should be considered and does he not, therefore, agree that the subject matter of Deputy Cosgrave's question is particularly apposite at this stage?
Deputy Cosgrave asked whether we had had an approach from the Commission of this nature and I replied "No" to that. We have not, and I do not think it is likely to come.
Can we take it that association is not ruled out?
We have not contemplated association. We are seeking for membership because that is the most desirable form to have in the EEC.
The only reason I ask is that the former Taoiseach said, when asked, that he would not consider association at all. Is that still the view of the Government?
There is no such thing as association because any association is temporary leading to full membership.
That is what is suggested by Deputy Cosgrave's question.
It is suggested, but the simple answer is that we have not been approached about this and I have not contemplated it.
Will the Government make an approach if they are rejected for full membership?
If and when that situation arises, we will make up our minds as to what we should do.
Can the Taoiseach say whether a decision has been taken as to who will conduct the negotiations on behalf of this country? Will it be at official ambassadorial level or ministerial level?
Ministerial level.
What Minister or Ministers?
That has not been decided.
It is about time we made up our minds.
It is not necessary to make up our minds now.
Has the Taoiseach made any arrangements yet about his European tour?
I have made only one positive arrangement. I expect to be going to Holland.
Soon?
Soon, but I should like to be able to give more information on this later to the Dáil.
Any idea when the Taoiseach will be able to tell us?
Perhaps next week. I am not sure yet. These matters are being canvassed all the time but, now that the situation in the Middle East has reached a crisis, it is not easy to have arrangements made.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if he is in a position to indicate in general what constitutional or other legislative changes will be necessary should Ireland become a member of the European Economic Community.
An Inter-Departmental Committee under the Chairmanship of the Attorney General is currently examining the constitutional and legal implications of Ireland's membership of the European Economic Community. It is expected that the Committee's report on the constitutional aspect will be submitted to the Government in the near future. The Committee is continuing its work on the other legal aspects but Deputies will appreciate that the full scope of legal implications will be dependent on the state of development reached by the Community at the date of our entry and on the conditions of our accession.
I should like to point out that the treaties establishing the Communities are mainly concerned with economic and commercial activities and related social matters, and therefore other aspects of domestic law need not be affected by membership.
Will the Taoiseach consider publishing a White Paper after the Committee reports so that the House and the country may be informed generally on the implications involved in membership?
I shall certainly consider that.