asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is satisfied that this country is keeping in sufficiently close touch with developments in relation to membership of the EEC; and if he considers that the embassy staff in Brussels is strong enough at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC
1.
I am satisfied that through our Mission to the European Economic Community, our Missions in the capitals of the Six and in the capitals of the countries seeking membership of the Community and also through the periodic visits of Ministers and officials, we are fully in touch with developments in relation to membership of the Community.
In answer to the second part of the Deputy's Question our Ambassador to the Community is at present in hospital as a result of an accident but the three diplomatic members of the staff of the Mission are able to carry on satisfactorily for the time being.
I may add that the Assistant Secretary of my Department in charge of Economic Affairs called on officials of the Commission of the EEC a fortnight ago with a view to assessing how soon a further Ministerial visit to the Commission would be appropriate.