With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16,17 and 18 together.
The Council of the European Communities is at present discussing proposals made by the Commission in relation to the recommendations in the report of the Werner group on the realisation by stages of economic and monetary union in the Community. This is an internal Community matter and the question of this country being represented at the discussions in question does not, therefore, arise. We are, of course, following all available information with close interest. The guidelines to be adopted by the Community in this matter will be presented as Community positions in the negotiations with the applicant countries. In the circumstances, any statement on Ireland's position in relation to the proposals under consideration would be premature.