asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what problems remain to be resolved in this country's negotiations for membership of the EEC; and if he will outline the difficulties involved in solving them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
8.
I am confident that it will be possible to reach agreement with the Community on the outstanding issues in our negotiations so as to have the negotiations concluded by the end of this year.
The question specifically asks what the outstanding difficulties are. Can the Minister elaborate on them?
They are too numerous to elaborate.
To mention all the outstanding items would be rather difficult but the main ones are export tax reliefs, fisheries, animal and plant health regulations and regional policy, although it is not strictly speaking a matter for negotiation but will in fact be negotiated in the negotiations.
Because there is no regional policy.
Do I take it that an agreement has been reached in the negotiations between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the EEC relative to the fishing industry in this country?
I did not say that. I said that these were the main outstanding items.
Did the Minister mention fisheries?
I did.
When the Minister states that he is hopeful that these negotiations will be finalised this year is this an indication that we will be admitted to the Community at the beginning of next year?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of the Minister's reply.
This is possible.
The late Mr. Seán Lemass used to say the late 1970s.
Is it probable?
It is probable.