asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the Government's attitude regarding EEC monetary union.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Monetary Union.
4.
asked the Minister for Finance the Government's attitude to the stated policy of economic and monetary union in the European Community by 1980.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
The Government in common with our EEC partners are committed to the objective of establishing an economic and monetary union in the Community, this being one of the obligations undertaken at the time of this country's accession. A more closely knit Community, of which economic and monetary union is a concrete expression and in which there is a concerted approach to the solution of Community problems, is in the interests of all the member states but particularly the smaller ones. A necessary condition of progress towards such union is parallel progress in the elimination of structural and regional imbalances occurring in the community. This must entail increased emphasis on regional, social and other policies which actively promote convergence of economic conditions.
I asked about the Government's attitude in regard to the stated policy of economic and monetary union in the European Community by 1980. Has the Minister anything to say on that, in view of the problems now arising in the Community?
I thought the Deputy would have understood me. I stated in my reply that the Government favour economic and monetary union.
There is nothing in my question to imply that we do not favour it.
I am sure we both believe as far as this country is concerned that we should have it. As far as we are concerned it means a levelling upwards to the economic, social and regional advantages that so many other parts of the European Community have.
Does the Government's attitude to the implementation of this by 1980 depend on an effective regional policy being implemented?
No. Our attitude is in favour of achieving this goal. The speed at which it is achieved will, of course, depend on the readiness of all the members of the Community to work towards that goal.
Does the Minister not accept that this will depend on an effective regional policy, among other matters?
Most certainly, and that is what the members of the Government have been working to achieve.
I wish them success.