asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the legislation, orders and regulations administered by his Department will have to be altered as a result of EEC membership; and, if so, in what specific respects.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
17.
Article 189 of the Treaty of Rome provides that each regulation made under it shall be binding in its entirety and take direct effect in each member State. EEC regulations have been made dealing with the social security of migrant workers. The question whether in view of the provisions of Article 189 specific amendment of our social security legislation will be necessary in order to conform to these regulations is still under consideration.
Has the Minister not got any more specific information at this stage in view of the fact that our accession to the EEC is not very far away? Surely he is in a position to tell the House more than he has done?
My officials have been in Brussels on a number of occasions in connection with technical adaptation regulations. The question of deciding whether Article 189 in its omnibus application is sufficient without any adaptation is at present under discussion by the legal committee and by the Attorney General's office.
Has the Minister no idea at all?
I have a good idea but I will not make a statement about it.