asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the nature of the concessions to Ireland envisaged in the discussions concerning proposals for a Free Trade Area in Europe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Trade Area: Concessions to Ireland.
A working party has been charged by the inter-Governmental Committee of the O.E.E.C. with the task of studying, with due regard to the particular conditions of each of the countries concerned, the nature and duration, and the procedure for implementation, of the derogations which should be accorded to the less-developed countries, as compared with the general obligations of member countries in the Free Trade Area, particularly in regard to the abolition of tariffs and quantitative restrictions, and invisible transactions. Ireland is one of the countries concerned. Until the report of the working party has been received and considered by the inter-Governmental Committee and by the Council of the O.E.E.C., it will not be known what concessions are envisaged.
The working party has also been asked to have regard to the need for investment and readaptation in the less developed countries and to report specially on these financial questions.
The Minister is, no doubt, aware of the fact that Mr. Maudlin, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, spoke to three Committees of the Council of Europe recently. In that address he outlined some of the concessions particularly relating to Ireland, and further stated, when asked, that these were not confidential. Surely, if he can give that information the Minister must have it too, and would the Minister not now consider giving it to the House?
I have given the information which is available to me.
Can the Minister say when the working party will make its report?
I would not attempt to answer that.