asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the most recent discussions with British Ministers; and what were the subjects discussed.
3.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if the Government intend to review the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the Government's attitude to alternative proposals.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement of the Government's policy regarding free trade in the light of the continuing crisis in Irish agricultural exports to Britain and rising imports of manufactured goods; and if it is his intention to depend on a single market for milk produce exports.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 3 and 4 together.
There has been no meeting with British Ministers since my meeting with Mr. Wilson on 29th November, an account of which I gave to the House on the 4th December. A further Ministerial meeting was then foreshadowed and this meeting is to take place in London later this month. The meeting will, as I indicated on the 4th December, further consider all the issues arising out of my discussion with the British Prime Minister, including the working of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. I do not think it would be appropriate for me to indicate in advance the specific proposals which we will be making at that meeting.
The question of Irish agricultural exports will naturally figure prominently in the forthcoming discussions. As regards exports of milk products, new markets have been secured in recent years in many parts of the world but the returns from those are by no means economic. However, every effort is being made, and will continue to be made, to secure wider and more remunerative outlets for our increasing milk production.