asked the Taoiseach if there have been any developments in the application of this country to adhere to the GATT.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accession to GATT.
1.
It is proposed that discussions on this country's accession to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade should take place in the context of the Kennedy Round negotiations. These negotiations have proceeded more slowly than was originally anticipated but it is expected that a stage will be reached later this year when it will be possible for the discussions on Ireland's accession to be taken up.
Will this be conducted at Ministerial or official level?
So far, they have been at official level but I should not like to say that some Ministerial intervention may not be required before they are completed.
Can the Taoiseach give any indication as to when they may be resumed?
This is not entirely under our control. The general expectation is that progress will be made in the Kennedy Round negotiations this year, and indeed must be made this year if anything is to come out of them.