andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether he will make a statement on the talks or negotiations carried on on behalf of the Government between civil servants in regard to Ireland's proposed entry into the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Negotiations.
1.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to circulate in the Official Report, for the convenience of Deputies, a translation of the statement issued by the Secretariat of the Council of the European Economic Community at the conclusion of the meeting on the 11th May. I do not propose, at this stage, to add anything to that statement.
The following is the translation of the statement:
Brussels, 11 May, 1962
European Economic Community
The Council
Press Release
Under the chairmanship of Ambassador J. M. Boegner the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the member States of the European Economic Community met, in the presence of representatives of the Commission of the EEC on Friday, 11th May, 1962, at Brussels, a delegation of senior Irish officials led by Mr. T. K. Whitaker, Secretary of the Department of Finance of Ireland. This meeting had as its object the obtaining of further information on the statement made by His Excellency Mr. Seán F. Lemass, Prime Minister of Ireland, during the Ministerial Meeting which was held at Brussels on the 18th January last.
In an atmosphere of frank cordiality and mutual understanding clarification of certain of the problems raised by Mr. S.F. Lemass was furnished by the Irish delegation in response to the questionnaire which had been addressed to them for this purpose. Furthermore, in response to certain supplementary questions posed during the meeting by the Representatives of the member States of the Community and by the Representative of the Commission the Irish delegation furnished orally some additional information.
2.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether the Government intend to request that observers from this country be permitted to attend the meeting of Commonwealth Ministers in London in connection with the British proposal to enter the EEC.
The answer is in the negative.