asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have been notified of a decision by the EEC Commission to produce a major report on unemployment in Ireland; and if and when the results of such a survey will be made public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Report on Unemployment.
7.
I am informed that no special study on unemployment in Ireland is being undertaken by the EEC Commission.
May I ask the Minister if he has seen the report to the effect that there is to be a study undertaken by the EEC Commission?
I have seen it.
Does the Minister know from what source it emanates?
I am not responsible for newspaper reports.
We need not place any reliance on reports as to what the EEC are doing.
The matter has been checked out with the Commission at Brussels. No such study is being undertaken.
Maybe the newspaper was ahead of its time. Will the Minister state the EEC will be considering this?
That is the newspapers' business.
Does the Minister think that the EEC Commission will do this?
That is another day's work.
If no special study is to be undertaken, do the existing provisions in the EEC for coverage of member countries extend to us? Does the newspaper report relate to such an extension?
The question relates to a special study.
What studies on unemployment will have to be taken by us as a member of the EEC?
That is a separate question. There is a general study on the social implications of EEC membership by all member countries. This is being undertaken at the moment. The Deputy's question relates to a particular study.
I am glad to clarify the Minister's evasion.
I am trying to be specific.