asked the Taoiseach whether it is his intention to meet representatives of the other neutral countries who have indicated an interest in participating in the EEC, to ensure that in common with such countries Ireland may ensure her neutrality in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Neutrality.
2.
There are, besides Ireland, only three countries which have applied for membership of the European Economic Community and these are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. I see no useful purpose to be served by attempting to co-ordinate policy with States which have not applied for EEC membership.
Is there not an interest in the EEC in such countries as Switzerland, Sweden and Finland and should we not therefore, since we hold it as part of our policy to be militarily neutral, consult with them to see how we can preserve our neutral stance? Would it not be wise to meet them to see what can be done to maintain neutrality in any united Europe?
There is an interest in countries like Switzerland and Sweden in the EEC but, unlike us, they have not applied for full membership. We have, and as full members we would have a full say in the development of political policy and they would not.