asked the Taoiseach if he is in a position to announce the outcome of the discussions of the review of the Anglo-Irish free trade area agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement.
10.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a full statement in connection with the Government's recent talks with the British Government; if the extension of the British import duty was discussed; and what is the British attitude towards such extension.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
At this stage, I have nothing to add to my reply to questions addressed to me in this House on the 16th December, 1969. I indicated at that time that the discussion on the Free Trade Area Agreement was to be continued at a further ministerial meeting. Arrangements are at present being made to fix a date for this meeting convenient to both sides.
Can the Taoiseach say if that meeting will take place here?
I think that is the intention.
Is the Taoiseach aware that this agreement is working out much more favourably for Britain than for Ireland and that we have a very serious adverse trade balance with Britain which has increased alarmingly in the last few months? Is he further aware of the grave dangers that exist for many of our industrialists and also for the workers employed in these industries?
I would refer the Deputy to the replies to similar supplementaries on 16th December.
What does the Taoiseach intend to do about it? Do you still intend to sit on your fanny as you did over the last 20 years in regard to industries and workers employed in those industries?
The Deputy should not be vulgar.