Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 1969

Vol. 241 No. 9

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.

12.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the many developments since the publication of the Government's White Paper of 30th June, 1961, on the European Economic Community containing a survey of Ireland's external trade with particular reference to trade with the United Kingdom and the member states of the Community and in view of the further publication outlining the developments subsequent to the White Paper laid before each House of the Oireachtas on the 28th June, 1962, the Government will now publish a further White Paper stating in detail the implications of the economic and political obligations of membership of the Community at this point of time.

13.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) to the effect that Ireland's entry to the Common Market would mean that both production and consumer prices would increase and that sugar beet, potatoes and eggs might be slightly cheaper; how Ireland's entry will affect the incomes of beet producers and egg producers in this country; and if this matter has been examined in the light of the report of the European Commission in Brussels on 13th October, 1969.

The Taoiseach

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.

In April, 1967, the Government issued a White Paper which brought up to date the information as to the obligations of membership of the European Communities contained in the two White Papers referred to in Question No. 12. I also dealt comprehensively with the subject in my statement to the House on the 25th July, 1967.

I doubt if any more detailed or firm assessment of the implications of membership is possible at this stage when the member Governments are confronted with finding solutions to a number of major internal problems likely to affect the future evolution of the Common Market. While it is my intention to keep the House as fully informed as possible on EEC matters, Deputies will, no doubt, appreciate the need to avoid disclosure of information which could prejudice our negotiating position.

As regards the position of the specific agricultural products referred to in Question No. 13, the price to producers here for sugar beet is slightly higher than the minimum price applicable in the Community. Our ability to maintain a higher price will depend largely on the efficiency of our sugar beet processing industry. In the cases of potatoes and eggs, prices both here and in the EEC fluctuate in accordance with market supply and demand and it does not appear that there would be any significant change in prices here for these commodities following Ireland's accession to the Community.

Dr. FitzGerald

Would the Taoiseach not agree that in none of the White Papers we have had so far has there been an attempt at an assessment of the economic gains and losses involved in membership? Does he not agree it is feasible, for example, on the basis of information on the Second Programme targets for industry, and on the basis of the prices structure of the financial policy of the EEC? Bearing in mind the desirability of informing people of the gains and losses involved would the Taoiseach consider initiating such an economic assessment and publishing the results, and having it carried out by some independent body?

Mr. O'Higgins

Would the Taoiseach further consider whether the stage has now been reached at which there should be one member of the Government designated to deal with the problems and difficulties which exist in relation to our possible entry into Europe?

The Taoiseach

That may be premature. It is, however, a matter I am keeping under close review. With regard to Deputy FitzGerald's supplementary question, it would, I think, be very difficult in advance of negotiating the terms we can get on entry to the Common Market to assess precisely what the gains and losses will be but the Deputy will be aware that there have been some debates in this House in the course of one of which, at least, I made an attempt to assess in a broad way what the economic effects may be. I suggest, however, that it is very difficult to do this in advance of knowing the terms pertaining to entry.

Dr. FitzGerald

Would the Taoiseach indicate the kind of variation in terms of which he is thinking? The question I am asking relates to agriculture and industry. What is involved in industry is, as we know, complete free trade and that is not negotiable but, as regards agriculture, could we have an assessment? Have we not got all the data required to make such an assessment now? Would it not be desirable to make such an assessment?

The Taoiseach

I suggest to the Deputy that complete free trade is not "not negotiable", if I may use a double negative, in that we would be looking for a transitional period at least. I would not like the Deputy to get the idea across that we will accept free trade, willy-nilly. As far as the general exercise is concerned, the Department of Finance and the other economic Departments are keeping abreast of developments from week to week and are trying to assess the information as it comes to hand.

Dr. FitzGerald

The Taoiseach will be aware that I am talking about the position at the end of the transitional period.

Mr. Corish

Would the Taoiseach give the Dáil an undertaking that, when the terms are known, an assessment will be made and put before us in Dáil Éireann so that Dáil Éireann can come to a real decision as to whether or not we should join?

The Taoiseach

I have told the Deputy on several occasions that the whole matter will be brought before the Dáil for ratification when the time comes.

Mr. Corish

Would the Taoiseach give a guarantee that there will be an assessment when the terms are agreed?

The Taoiseach

I think it is only reasonable to assume that, to the fullest possible extent we can do so, an assessment will be put before the House.

Mr. James Tully

Does the Taoiseach mean that it will be brought before the House after the signatures have been appended by the members of the Government, as was done in the case of the Free Trade Area Agreement?

The Taoiseach

I have told the Deputy we are keeping the matter under continuous review and making our judgment according as matters develop within the Community.

Mr. T.F. O'Higgins

That is a cliché.

14.

Mr. Harte

asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement concerning the present position of Ireland's application for membership of the EEC.

15.

Mr. Cosgrave

asked the Taoiseach the present position of the application of this country to join the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

16.

Mr. Desmond

asked the Taoiseach if he intends to take any fresh initiatives concerning Ireland's application to joint the EEC, with particular reference to the publication of the recommendations of the Commission of the European Communities of 3rd October, 1969.

17.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan

asked the Taoiseach what is the present position of Ireland's application for full membership of EEC; if he considers the country is now ready for admission from the point of view of sound agricultural and industrial preparations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the reported statement by M. Jean Rey, President of the Common Market Executive Commission, that an answer to the problem of agricultural surpluses would be required before negotiations with Britain could be commenced; if so, what bearing his statement will have on this country's application for membership; and if he will make a statement in regard to this matter.

The Taoiseach

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 14 to 18 together.

The position still is that our application for membership, along with those of the other applicants, remains on the agenda of the Council of the European Economic Community. The enlargement of the European Communities has again become a live issue but it is not possible at this stage to say whether early agreement on the opening of negotiations is likely. The recently reported statement of the President of the EEC Commission that the prior solution of certain agricultural problems will be necessary is relevant in this context.

Much will depend on the outcome of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Six which is to be held in The Hague on the 17th and 18th November to discuss the major questions at present confronting the Communities, including that of enlargement. It is to be hoped that the conference will result in a positive movement towards the opening of negotiations. Given the sustained progress which has been achieved in the economy, I am confident that when the time comes the country will be ready to assume the obligations of membership.

The recent up-dated Opinion of the Commission on the question of enlargement will, no doubt, be a considerable help to the Hague Conference in its deliberations. I greatly welcome this valuable and constructive document which recommends the early opening of negotiations and the simultaneous accession of the four applicants. Copies of an unofficial translation of the document have been placed in the Library of the House for the information of Deputies.