andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether there is any provision of the Treaty of Rome which lays down that an associate member, irrespective of the member's own views on the matter, must accept full membership at some date subsequent to its becoming an associate member.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Membership.
1.
There is no such provision in the Rome Treaty. The only Article of the Treaty which refers to association with the European Economic Community, namely, Article 238, is in general terms, and it is not possible to generalise on conditions of association.
Could the Taoiseach give the Dáil any indication now as to when he will be in a position to make a statement to the Houses in regard to our application for membership of the EEC?
I have a private notice question from the Leader of the Opposition to which I shall be replying later today.
2.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether during his recent talks with General de Gaulle any undertaking was given to him, or implied, that the General would favour the acceptance of Ireland as a full member of the EEC.
3.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether in his recent talks with Dr. Conrad Adenaeur any undertaking was given to him, or implied, that Dr. Adenaeur would favour Ireland's acceptance as a full member of the EEC.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Questions on the 30th October last, the Heads of State and Heads of Government whom I met that month during my visits to members States of the European Economic Community expressed goodwill towards our application, and it will be recalled that, subsequently, the member States unanimously agreed to enter into negotiations on our application for membership.
The answer is obviously "No" but could I ask the Taoiseach if it is not a fact that, because we have not a viable industrial or agricultural economy here independent of Britain, there was never any serious intention to grant us full membership?
The Deputy becomes more nonsensical every day.
That is what the position has been over the years when we have tried to raise these matters. Could I further ask the Taoiseach is it not a fact that he was misled and in turn he misled the public by overlooking the simple truth that while the Ritz Hotel may be open to everybody, only the wealthy belong?
I am not expected to comment on such a foolish, nonsensical statement.
You made so many blunders you should listen for a change. Everybody has the same rights in this House.
There is no full moon to-night——
There was a full moon when decisions were made on this matter.