asked the Minister for Finance what is the estimated projected cost of living increase expected within one year, three years and five years on present living costs following entry into the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
64.
It is assumed that the transitional period for the purpose of accession to the EEC will be five years. At the end of that period Irish agricultural prices will be aligned with those obtaining within the Community. As regards the effect of such alignment on the consumer price index, I would refer the Deputy to the estimates contained in paragraph 5.23 of the White Paper on Membership of the European Communities—Implications for Ireland, published in April, 1970.
Estimates relating to periods between the date of accession and the end of the transitional period will depend on the progression to be applied to the alignment of agricultural prices. This progression is a matter which has yet to be settled in the negotiations on transitional arrangements and it is, therefore, not possible at this stage to furnish estimates in respect of the periods in question.
The estimates made then stand. Is that the position?
Yes. The Deputy will recall that they were described as tentative, which they were.
Will the Minister agree that, as far as agricultural prices are concerned, it is a fact that the EEC have not increased prices in the last three years and are not likely to? Whether we go in or not the prices will probably be level in five years time. In any case, the level in Ireland will be as high as that in the EEC countries. Is that not the biggest problem?
If we do not go in?
If we do not go in.
I do not think that is so.
The Minister should check with his experts. That is the big catch in it.
65.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is yet in a position to indicate what Ireland's contribution to the EEC Budget will be.
One of the matters to be settled in the negotiations with the European Communities is how the contributions to be paid by the applicant countries to the Community Budget after accession should be determined. Pending agreement on this question it is not possible to give estimates of Ireland's contributions.