asked the Taoiseach if he will make a comprehensive statement on his recent discussions with the French Prime Minister with particular reference to whether any agreement or proposal was made or undertaking given in relation to the regional fund of the European Economic Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussions with French Prime Minister.
1.
It would not be in accordance with normal practice to reveal details of my discussions with the French Prime Minister. As the Deputy will appreciate, much of the value of such meetings depends on their confidentiality.
However, I may say that we discussed the following subjects—preparations for a possible conference of heads of Government of the member States of the European Community and the proposals for regular meetings of this kind; the regional policy and proposed regional fund of the Community; energy; oil and natural gas; agriculture, including the common agricultural policy of the EEC and certain bilateral problems in relation to Irish exports of sheep and lamb; the improvement of trade and other economic relations between Ireland and France; the furtherance of cultural and educational relations and of scientific co-operation between the two countries; the transfer of the Presidency in the context of the European Community from France to Ireland as from 1st January, 1975; Northern Ireland; Aer Lingus' wish to transfer its operations at Paris from Le Bourget to Orly Airport, and the delimitation of the continental shelf for the purposes of exploration for and exploitation of natural resources.
The proposed regional fund is a matter of concern to every member State of the EEC. I can say, without any breach of confidentiality, that Monsieur Chirac stated his conviction that the fund was in line with the spirit and philosophy of the Community and that it should be set up quickly. He also expressed the view, however, that the establishment of a large regional fund which would be invested generally throughout the Community was not consistent with the fight against inflation which France considered to be the priority problem of the moment. Monsieur Chirac suggested for consideration, that as a compromise, and as an interim stage to a regional fund proper, open to all member States, a smaller temporary fund should be established, for a period of one, two or three years until certain criteria on, say, rates of inflation had been met— the fund to be invested only in Italy and Ireland.
I explained the Government's position on a regional fund, including our reservations on the proposed conference of heads of Government. I indicated that we had noted his suggestion for the fund with considerable interest. The matter is the subject of continuing discussions.
I appreciate the suggestion of the Taoiseach that these talks, if they are to be of any value, must remain confidential. Is he aware that my purpose in tabling this question was, in fact, related to M. Chirac's announcement during the course of an interview about this limited regional fund? Would the Taoiseach indicate if there was any question of an undertaking being given by him or through his appropriate Minister, that he supports the establishment of such a limited fund?
This matter is the subject of continuing discussions. I understand a variation of the proposal was made on Monday to the extent that the amount of the fund would be unspecified. Included in that unspecified fund, the percentage which Ireland would draw was similar to that referred to earlier. All these proposals are to be again discussed on Monday next. That is the situation at the moment.
Will the Taoiseach be able to indicate, arising out of the meeting of Foreign Ministers earlier this week if the prospect of holding a summit conference next month appeared any brighter?
Again, this will come up for discussion on Monday. The position is that Italy and Ireland both reserve their positions on this and a lot depends on what happens on Monday.
Is the Taoiseach hopeful that a regional fund will be operational early next year?
As I said, it all depends on the discussions next week and probably subsequent discussions if there is a meeting of heads of Government. There is, I think I am correct in saying, some support for the idea of an interim regional fund but it depends not only on France and Ireland and Britain and Italy as two other interested countries but also very much on the German attitude.