asked the Taoiseach if any progress has been made with the application of this country to join the EEC since the delegation of officials on behalf of the Irish Government last visited Brussels; and, if so, the nature of the developments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Negotiations.
1.
There have been no specific developments in relation to our application for admission to the European Economic Community since the meeting in Brussels on the 11th May between senior officials and the Permanent Representatives of the Six. The information furnished on that occasion was to be studied by the Member Governments with a view to determining future procedure.
Can the Taoiseach say when the negotiations will be resumed at ministerial level?
I cannot say.
Is it possible at this stage to say whether it is intended to dispose of the British application before disposing of the application of this country?
I think that is the intention.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to reports that the British Government in their negotiations in regard to the prospective British membership of the European Economic Community have requested that the terms of the Treaty of Rome be waived so as to allow the continuance of the ban on citizens of the Republic of Ireland obtaining employment in Northern Ireland; and whether in the course of the Irish Government's negotiations with the European Economic Community it is proposed to make any comment on the continuance of this ban, or to make any representations for its discontinuance.
3.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether he has seen the reference made by a Six-County politician to the effect that Britain will seek to restrict freedom of movement of workers between the Republic and the rest of the country; and if he has made any attempts to see that this power is not conceded to the Stormont Government should Ireland join the Common Market.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I have seen the reports to which the questions refer. I understand that no such request has been made by the British authorities.
I had better not ask a hypothetical question, so.
Question No. 4 postponed.