asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state in reference to his reply to Question No. 37 of 4th November how the changing position in regard to this country's application for membership of the EEC affected the contents of the report of the committee on the review of State expenditure in relation to agriculture.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Expenditure.
51.
At the time this report was being prepared there was no early prospect of this country's becoming a member of the EEC and the report naturally reflected this situation. After the report had been completed developments in relation to our application for EEC membership gave rise to new considerations and rendered some of the views and recommendations in the report less relevant.
Am I to understand that there is an early prospect of our entering the EEC?
The Deputy is to understand that the difference between the time when the report was prepared and now is quite considerable.
With due respect to the Minister, I cannot prevent Ministers being stupid.
I can well understand the Deputy; he has that difficulty himself.
What is the difference?
Time.