asked the Taoiseach the Government's attitude to the latest decision of the EEC Commission that all farmers of member countries will be free to farm in any member country and must be treated on the same level as nationals of the receiving country; and whether the Government accept this decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Commission Decision.
2.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the proposals which have very recently been submitted by the Commission of the European Communities to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
As I told the House on 25th July, 1967, the provisions of the Treaty of Rome regarding rights of establishment apply to the purchase and settlement on land but these provisions are subject to the principles of the common agricultural policy which take into account the distinctive nature of agricultural activity, including its structural aspects. Certain measures have already been taken by the European Economic Community to give effect to the provisions of the Treaty in regard to the rights of establishment in agriculture and the proposals which have now been put before the Council of Ministers are additional measures aimed at implementing those provisions of the Treaty.
As indicated in my reply to a question on 7th November, 1967, we would, having regard to the importance of agriculture in our economy and the need to improve its structure, hope that on entry into the Community, it would be possible for us to retain sufficient regulation over the disposal of land to enable us to apply policies adequate to our needs. The precise arrangements to apply would, of course, be a matter for negotiation.
Does the Taoiseach see the Commission's proposals in regard to agriculture as having any effect on our own regulations in relation to the sale of land to non-nationals?
They would impinge on our own regulations, but we would expect that, in the course of negotiations for entry, when the negotiations start, we will be able to ensure that the kind of safeguards we need will be forthcoming for us in relation to disposal and occupation of land.
Will our regulations be continued in operation or perhaps strengthened against the tendency to sell land to non-nationals?
The tendency to sell land to non-nationals is adequately controlled as far as we see it at the moment. There is no necessity to strengthen them. One cannot anticipate what the negotiations for entry to the Common Market will involve. It may well be that some modification of our present restrictions would be necessary.
Does the Taoiseach mean that the position may be weakened, and does he envisage that in the event of the negotiations being successful it may be necessary to allow non-nationals to buy up land?
We would hope to maintain the present arrangements but, on the other hand, I cannot anticipate what the negotiations will bring about. That is why I said there could well be some modification but I am sure we will be able to safeguard the interests of our own people in this respect.
How would we? That was the reason for changing the law a few years ago.