asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state the Government's policy on the major aspects of Britain's attempt to renegotiate its terms of membership of the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British EEC Membership.
38.
The Government are of the view that solutions to the issues raised by Britain will have to be found within the framework of the Treaties establishing the Communities and the Accession Treaty. Further, the Government consider that any arrangements made as a result of the "renegotiation" should accord with the harmonious development of the Community. They should not hinder the development of intra-Community trade particularly in agriculture nor should they involve any element of juste retour as this would be contrary to the principles on which the Community is founded.
The Government of course are sympathetic to the problems of the United Kingdom and concerned to help it remain within the Community. We regard completion of British "renegotiation" as a priority during the period of this country's presidency of the Council.
Does the Minister think that the holding of the Chair at this time by our Minister for Foreign Affairs might inhibit his protection of Ireland's rights particularly with regard to the CAP?
I do not think so. The Deputy will appreciate that as I am only answering for the Minister I can only answer a little tentatively on this. My understanding of the procedures to be adopted by Ireland during the presidency, as by other countries during their presidency, is that the Minister, for example, would be president at a given committee or at a given session. Ireland's voice would then be expressed separately, perhaps by another member of the Government. The president has, of course, to preserve impartiality and I believe that is the point the Deputy is making. Ireland's voice will continue to be clearly heard during Ireland's presidency.
I should like to ask the Minister to confirm that, irrespective of the outcome of the British renegotiations, it is our Government's firm intention to remain within the EEC?
I had better not, as pinch-hitting for the Minister, state the firm intention of the Government but that is my general understanding of the position.
The Minister present will appreciate that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have made statements which would seem to indicate that. I had hoped that the public could be given the clear position in this regard and that we could have a clear statement from a member of the Government who must know of the Government's intention.
We are deviating from the subject matter of the question.
The Deputy will appreciate that he is putting in a sense, a hypothetical question as we do not know the exact circumstances in which that might happen. The Deputy, being very experienced, will know that to make ringing commitments about hypothetical situations is, perhaps, not the best thing to do.
I appreciate the Minister's flattery but I must not allow it to divert my purpose. It is not a hypothetical situation. I am asking the Minister present to state the Government's intention. Will the Government, irrespective of the outcome of the British renegotiation, remain a member of the EEC?
I do not think a Minister, answering for another Minister would be wise to state categorically what the Government's position would be in relation to a future hypothetical situation, something that may never happen and that we hope will not happen.
I can only take it that the Government have not come to a collective decision.
Are we to take it from the Minister's reply that he is disassociating himself from the comments of the Taoiseach who has categorically stated that this country will be staying in the EEC no matter what Britain does?
Deputies are broadening the scope of this question out of all proportion.
The Deputy cannot take it that I am disagreeing with the Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both these gentlemen are very well qualified to speak for themselves, the Taoiseach for the Government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, for the Government in the field of foreign affairs. I would ask Deputies to have a certain mercy for a humble substitute in this area.
The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs is a little more than a humble substitute.