asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent talks in Madrid on the implementation of the Single European Act; and if he has satisfied himself that the Spaniards will allow Irish traders free access to their markets from 1992.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Single European Act Implementation.
8.
I visited Spain on 25 November 1988 and I had discussions with Mr. Francisco Fernandez Ordonez, the Spanish Foreign Minister and with Mr. Pedro Solbes Mira, the Spanish State Secretary for European Affairs, on Community matters in general and on the plans of the Spanish Presidency of the Communities which commences on 1 January 1989. With regard to the Single European Act we agreed that there is a need to make progress on the full implementation of the Single European Act and my Spanish colleagues indicated that the internal market and the social dimension of the internal market would be priorities for the Spanish Presidency.
As regards access for Irish traders to the Spanish market I am perfectly satisfied that Spain, in common with all member states, will fully meet its commitments under the Treaties, including those arising from the Spanish Treaty of Accession.
Having regard to the record to date of the Spanish since their entry to the EC where free trade is concerned, does the Minister honestly believe that they have the proper frame of mind and intent to allow free trade once 1992 arrives? Does the Minister believe them when they say that?
That is a very subjective question. Spain is a member of the European Community and is committed to the abolition of all trade barriers by 1992.
It is not correct that they have been extremely obstructive where free trade is concerned since their entry? How can the Minister accept that they will act otherwise once 1992 arrives?
I have received no representations from any of the private interests concerned nor am I aware of any such difficulties. Indeed there are several major Irish companies who are at present undertaking very substantial expansion in Spain.