asked the Taoiseach when the Government's White Paper on Ireland's application to join the EEC will be published.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if there have been any recent developments concerning the application of this country to adhere to the EEC; and if he will indicate the nature of any such developments.
6.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the present position of Ireland's application for membership of the EEC.
7.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement in regard to the prospects of Ireland joining the EEC; what progress has been made in regard to this matter by the Government in recent months; what appointments have been made to take charge of negotiations; if he intends to appoint a Minister to take charge; if so, when; who he intends to appoint; and if he will give the up-to-date position in regard to this urgent national problem which is of such great concern to farmers, workers and industrialists.
8.
asked the Taoiseach what is the present position regarding Ireland's application for membership of EEC.
9.
asked the Taoiseach whether it is his intention to appoint a new Minister to deal solely with entry to the EEC; if he intends to allot this task to an existing Government Department; and whether an announcement will be made prior to the publication of the Government White Paper on membership.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 9 together. As I indicated in reply to questions addressed to me in this House on the 9th December last, we are pressing ahead with our preparations here at home so that we will be fully prepared for the negotiations, which are now generally expected to begin this summer. At the same time, we are in the closest touch with the Governments of the Six and with the commission in Brussels regarding developments in relation to the European communities since the "Summit Conference" at The Hague. We are also maintaining close contact with the Governments of the other applicant countries.
The Minister for External Affairs visited Rome on the 29th January and had a most useful exchange of views with members of the Italian Government. He was assured of the full support of that Government for Irish membership of the communities. The Minister is today in Bonn for similar discussions with members of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is his intention to visit other European Governments and the Commission of the European Communities during the coming months.
A White Paper on the implications for Ireland of membership of the European communities is being prepared and I hope to have it published soon, probably by the end of March.
It is my intention to decide, at the appropriate time, the ministerial team for the negotiations.
Can the Taoiseach say if any definite date has yet been fixed for the commencement of negotiations and if any clear indication has been given from the commission as to whether Ireland's application will be considered simultaneously with those of other applicant countries?
No definite date has been fixed yet. As far as an indication from the commission is concerned, they gave such an indication in the paper they published before the Summit meeting in The Hague last December. I do not see any reason why they should change that opinion.
Would the Taoiseach give us a general idea as to what will be contained in the White Paper?
It will be along the lines of the two previous White Papers and the contents of my speech here in the House about a year and a half ago.
If so we shall not get much information in this White Paper.
It will be as informative as possible.
Is it not a fact that because of the complete dependence of our economy on Britain, this decision will be taken by Mr. Wilson in the House of Commons in London and not by the Taoiseach?
Would the Taoiseach say if I am right in recalling a statement by him or on his behalf that the White Paper would contain some indication of the implications for our economy of EEC membership which was not contained in a previous White Paper? Would he also say if it will contain an indication of the Government's attitude towards the development of the European institutions?
I cannot say at this stage what it will contain but I can assure the Deputy that everything possible that can be said will be said in the White Paper. The fullest information will be given but, having regard to the fact that negotiations will not yet have started, there will be certain bargaining positions that will have to be held pending the conclusion of negotiations.
The Taoiseach will appreciate as in other countries like Britain a bargaining position does not preclude the assessment of the consequences of membership on the basis of reasonable assumptions as to the continuation or development of the present policies by the EEC. Would he not agree it is vital that some assessment of this kind be given so that the people can begin to assess the gains and losses?
There can be a lot of consequences. I do not know what kind of consequences the Deputy has in mind.
The possible effects on agriculture and industry, including gains and losses.
In previous papers there was a reasonable attempt to give an indication of these consequences.
I think not.
Could the Taoiseach say if he or the Minister for External Affairs or any other responsible Minister in the Government had discussions with the French Government and if he is satisfied that the French fully accept our application for entry to the Common Market and if he envisages any difficulties in the way?
I had consultations myself with members of the French Government before the change of Presidency. We have since had contact with representatives of the French Government and the Minister for External Affairs will have such contact in the near future.
Would the Taoiseach be prepared to make available to the House an opportunity to discuss the White Paper and also would he tell us if it is his intention to designate any particular member of the Cabinet with sole responsibility for the EEC?
I have already indicated that the White Paper will be published with a view to such a discussion. As far as the designation of a member of the Cabinet is concerned to our negotiations, I would refer the Deputy to the last sentence of my original reply.