asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the attitude of the Government in relation to the addition of new member states to the EEC; and if he will make a statement outlining the up-to-date position on negotiations in regard to this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Members of European Community.
2.
Ireland has welcomed the applications of Greece, Portugal and Spain for membership of the European Communities. We have acclaimed the return to democracy in these countries and we are conscious of the fact that the prospect of membership has been a significant factor in the process of democratisation.
Enlargement, however, poses certain basic problems of an economic and institutional nature which could have serious consequences for the very nature of the Community. The Government believe that positive action must be taken to prepare for new accessions. In particular, we believe that a parallel approach should be adopted to promote the elimination of structural and regional disparities in the existing Community as well as providing for the needs of the applicant countries. Ireland has also repeatedly stressed that adequate resources must be provided to deal with the problems of an enlarged Community and that action must be taken on institutional reform.
Accession negotiations with Greece were formally opened in July 1976. Following an initial phase of exchanges of information on the various sectors, the negotiations are now entering on a more active and substantive stage which, it is hoped, will be concluded this year. As regards Portugal and Spain, the Commission, in accordance with the provision of the Treaties, is at present preparing its opinions on the application of those countries.
May I take it from what the Minister has said that we may expect that the gravy will be spread somewhat more thinly as a result of the additional members joining the EEC? Without appearing to be a little Irelander or against the additional membership, can the Minister give us any idea of the economic consequences for this country in relation to the regional fund resultin from such additional membership?
I thought it would have been obvious from my reply that that is one of our concerns, not just in our own interests but in the interests of the existing Community, that the Community has the parallel obligation to which I referred to ensure that adequate resources will be provided to enable the existing Community to meet its own obligations on its own stated terms. In fact, we have consistently argued that were the applicant countries to join a Community that was weaker and less committed it would be of no benefit either to the existing Community or to themselves. We would certainly discourage thin gravy as the Deputy suggested.
Following the Minister's recent visit to Greece, one of the members in question here, did the Minister see any reason, as a result of his discussions with the Greek authorities, to further clarify his position in relation to the admission of Greece?
No, I am not aware that my position needs to be clarified.
I think the Minister has previously expressed the opinion that while the Irish position was one of muted welcome for new members, there was also a necessity to see that existing funds were such that no loss would accrue to this country as a result of the additional membership. Was it the position that the Greek authorities during his visit expressed reservations on the Irish position in relation to their admission?
No, not necessarily. In fact I think anything I have said has been quite consistent in this connection and, I may say, has also been consistent with what has been said by my predecessor. We have stated at all times that it is a condition precedent for the Community itself, not just for the applicant countries, that the Community would provide adequate resources to discharge its own obligations within the Community, enlarged or otherwise. We made this quite clear to the Greeks and to the others and I think they accept that position.
We secured agreement in July 1976 on the principle of the resources of the Community being enlarged proportionately with its membership. May I take it that the Minister will insist on the practical implementation of that as and when enlargement comes about? I take it that is the clear intent of his answer. On another point, may I ask him to state whether he maintains the second reservation which we in Government maintained in respect of the successful conclusion of these negotiations, that we would not agree to enlargement unless and until the decision-making processes of the Community were strengthened to carry the strain of an enlarged Community? Does that remain an Irish precondition for settlement of the enlargement?
It remains a precondition and in fact it is not just an Irish precondition. The Deputy will be glad to know that position has now been adopted as a precondition by the Council. When I restated it at the second Council meeting which I attended, both the Commission and the President of the Council accepted it and it has now been adopted in the minutes of the Council as being the Council position which is perhaps even stronger than having it as an Irish position.
Exactly.
As far as the necessary funds are concerned the Deputy can be assured that that remain our position, and that was our position in relation, for instance, to the Regional Fund discussions at the Council meeting some time ago.
I hope from my experience of dealing with the Council that the Minister will ensure that the good intentions as now expressed following our position on these matters will be carried through. The Minister may find it not as easy as it may appear on the surface to ensure that he does get agreement on these things. I wish him well in his efforts.
It is quite evident from the Council meeting that there is a political commitment on the part of all the members which I felt was too readily given without assessing the economic consequences that would follow from it.
Exactly.
I have made it quite clear that such a political commitment is not only illusory but dangerous unless there is determination to provide the other resources as well.