andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether he has fixed any date as the probable date of Ireland's entry into the EEC for the purpose of such preparations for entry as the Government are engaged in; and, if so, if he will state such date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Date of Ireland's Entry.
1.
The answer is in the negative. The possible timing of consideration of our application for membership was discussed in my replies to Questions on the 30th October and the 21st and 22nd November last. It is, of course, clear that the date on which the transitional period under the Treaty of Rome will end is the 31st December, 1969, and our preparation for membership of the European Economic Community must have regard to this fact.
May we take it the Taoiseach does not think there is any alteration in the prospective date he has already given, shortly after 1st January, 1964?
Nothing has happened since to change my guess.
Does that date still stand in the Taoiseach's mind, that both Ireland and Britain will be members by 1st January, 1964?
As of now, I think that is the likely outcome.