asked the Taoiseach whether in order to secure the adaptation of legislation and the co-ordination of social policies between the applicant countries and the member States of the EEC the Government will now propose the establishment of a joint consultative body composed of the Commission and the applicant countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
The Government keep in close touch with the European Commission and the member States on all community developments, including progress of a legislative kind, and on social and other policies. The question of the adaptation of our own legislation is being examined actively, and any difficulties which reveal themselves in the course of this examination will be resolved with the member States in the course of the negotiations. While the Government are ready to consider any constructive proposal that will advance the preparations for membership, it is felt that there does not at present appear to be any necessity to propose the establishment of consultative machinery of the kind suggested by the Deputy.
Can the Taoiseach say whether any proposals of this character have emanated from the European movement meeting in Rome?
A proposal did emanate from the Dublin branch of the Irish Council for European Unity, or whatever is the official title—I forget just now—and it was part of a number of proposals they made to the international meeting in Rome at the end of last month. No action was taken, nor was it expected to be taken, on the proposal.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if the Government intend to take part in discussions with members of the European Economic Community to formulate a common EEC foreign policy prior to Ireland's entry to this community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Hague Summit Conference in December last instructed the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the countries of the European Economic Community to study the best method of achieving progress in the field of political unification in the context of enlargement and to make proposals before the end of next July. In implementation of this decision preparatory work is being undertaken at official level among the Six and the applicant countries will be kept informed of developments.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the Government's proposals to enter into negotiation for membership of the European Economic Community, he is satisfied with the relative contributions of industry, agriculture and services to the gross national product, particularly with the dependence on services which now amounts to nearly 50 per cent of the national product.
The question seems to relate primarily to the percentage of our gross national product attributable to the services sector. I do not accept the implication in the question that a relatively high contribution from the services sector necessarily reflects a structural weakness in an economy. Long-term comparisons of several OECD countries show that the services sector, which covers a wide range of activities including distribution, transport, commerce and tourism, tends to form an increasing proportion of national output as economies develop. In 1969, the services sector accounted for 46 per cent of our gross product which is broadly in line with the position in the member countries of the European Economic Community.