asked the Taoiseach if he intends to have discussions with the Governments of the three other countries that have applied for membership of EEC before negotiations for entry begin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
The Minister for External Affairs has already had discussions with members of the British and Danish Governments and plans to visit Oslo in the near future. There are no indications at present that discussions at Prime Minister level are called for.
Last week the Taoiseach said he had arranged with the British Government to be kept informed as to how they were doing; has he made the same arrangement with Norway and Denmark?
The arrangements made with the British Government are that we will keep in close consultation with them during the course of negotiations. The Danish Government have recognised the desirability of such a course as well but the Minister for External Affairs has not yet been able to visit Oslo for reasons outside his control.
Does the Taoiseach not think that the British will be more concerned about their industries during the period of entry whereas Norway's and Denmark's interests will be more aligned with our own?
I accept there is a difference of approach as to the transitional period but the matter is being kept under close review. During the course of negotiations we will be in constant touch with the other applicant members in order to ensure that our interests will be safeguarded.