asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the discussions which he or Ministers had with the Prime Minister of New Zealand and his party when they visited Dublin prior to the EEC summit meeting.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Zealand Prime Minister's Visit.
1.
asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who accompanied the New Zealand Prime Minister on his recent visit to Dublin; why some of the group stayed over for some days; and the discussions he or Ministers had with the group who remained behind.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The subjects which were discussed during my meeting with the Prime Minister are set out in the statement which was issued by the Government Information Services after the meeting. I am arranging to have a copy of that statement circulated with the Official Report.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by his country's Ambassador to Ireland and six officials. The official talks ended on Friday, the 28th February, 1975. Any members of the New Zealand party, who may have stayed in Ireland after that date, did so in a private capacity.
Following is the statement:
Visit by Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Wallace E. Rowling.
The Taoiseach Mr. Liam Cosgrave, T.D. and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Wallance E. Rowling had discussions today in Government Buildings. The Taoiseach was accompanied by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Mark Clinton, T.D.
The Prime Minister explained the New Zealand attitude to Protocol 18 providing for continued access to the European Communities for dairy products.
The world economic situation, as it affects the two countries was reviewed in some detail.
Other matters of common interest to the two countries which were discussed included New Zealand exports to the European Communities of lamb, energy and matters affecting certain international organisations.
The Taoiseach gave a brief account of the situation in Northern Ireland as it was seen by the Irish Government.
The talks were friendly and useful.
28 February, 1975.