asked the Taoiseach if he will say whether and when he will make a statement to Dáil Éireann on the discussions which he has had with the British Government in London.
Private Notice Question. - Discussions with British Government.
The discussions with the British Government on trade matters are likely to continue for some time, and I do not think that it is in the national interest that we should seek to bring them to a conclusion until all aspects of these matters have been very fully examined. At this stage I cannot do more than refer the Deputy to the terms of the official communiqué, which stressed the desire of both Governments to maintain and strengthen the special trade relationship between the two countries, referred to possibilities of improving trade suggested by us, and recorded agreement to put in hand a study of these suggestions.
We have undertaken to develop our suggestions in greater detail, and we contemplate that this will be done during the next couple of weeks. In accordance with the normal procedure, officials of both Governments will meet to study them, and it is intended that they will then be discussed further by Ministers.
Would it be out of place to suggest that for the purpose of the Parliamentary records generally, the official statement that has already been issued should be included in the Official Report?
Yes. If that can be arranged, I certainly would be quite willing that the Parliamentary Debates should contain the text of the official communiqué issued in London yesterday. I shall consider how that can be done.
Is it envisaged that whatever agreement is ultimately arrived at will be operative before the date on which the Danes will get the benefit of the reduced tariff on bacon and other goods on the British market?
The Deputy is aware that the agreement made between the British Government and the Danish Government is a contingent agreement and, in any event, it is not due to come into operation until July of next year. I hope that our discussions will have made very considerable progress before then.