asked the Taoiseach what are the legislative provisions intended to be enacted during this year relating to this country's access to membership of the European Economic Community, to which he referred in an address to the Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis on 20th November, 1962.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Enactment of Legislation.
1.
What I had in mind in making the statement referred to were legislative provisions facilitating the reshaping of the Irish economy in preparation for entry into the European Economic Community. Examples of such provisions are section 4 of the Industrial Grants (Amendment) Bill, 1962, and section 4 of the Undeveloped Areas (Amendment) Bill, 1962, now before this House.
A number of surveys and enquiries are in progress which may point to the need for further legislation, which it would be our aim to have enacted during the present year.
The question arises from a statement made by the Taoiseach at the Árd Fheis of his Party when he indicated that certain legislative proposals were in contemplation by his Party for the current year. I had hoped he would give to-day to the Legislature some more specific details than he thought it right to give to the Árd Fheis, but perhaps it is not convenient for him.
I would not like to publish a list of legislative measures which would be restrictive. A number of reports resulting from surveys that have been carried out in connection with agricultural and industrial activities will be coming along for consideration during the next few months and arising out of some of these surveys, it is certain legislation will be necessary, but the nature and scope of the legislation, and the number of the Bills, could not be decided until the surveys had been presented and considered.
So there was nothing very concrete in his mind when he was making the political part of his speech.
The intention is to conclude that programme of legislation within this year.
Does the Taoiseach think these legislative changes are necessary, whether or not we go into EEC?
I have made it clear that our intention is to proceed without any change or modification in the programme we had in mind in the light of our becoming an EEC member.
Some of these legislative changes had been contemplated in anticipation of our EEC prospects and more or less in line with the Treaty of Rome?
No. They are related entirely to our own preparations.
Then the reference to the EEC might have been left out altogether?
That is the point I am trying to make.
But the Taoiseach said at the Árd Fheis——
That was the Árd Fheis. Do not be talking nonsense.