asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy regarding this country's continued membership of the European Community in the event of withdrawal from membership by the British Government.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
70.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject on 16th May.
The Government hope that British difficulties can be satisfactorily disposed of in the framework of Community solidarity. What is described as British "renegotiation" is proceeding at present in the context of the Community institutions. This is by necessity an evolving situation and it is still too early to predict the final outcome. The Government are studying the situation carefully as it develops and examining the options that would be open to this country in the event of British withdrawal. It would appear that the serious consequences for us of British withdrawal would be likely to be outweighed by the even more serious consequences of being outside the Community.
In view of the obvious change of heart which seems to be now emerging from the British Government and in view too, of the opportunity which the Minister has had in his Estimate speech, I do not think I need press this matter any further at this stage but I am glad to hear the Minister is keeping an open mind on it and I would press him to let them know even more positively what our decision is if that necessity arises.
Yes, it is fair to say that the balance of advantage, it would appear to me, and I think to other Ministers, would lie in favour of remaining a member. It is a mistake for a Government to apply their minds to a hypothetical question that may not arise when the conditions in which the decision is being made are not known. Subject to that qualification our inclinations are in the same direction as the Deputy's.