asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have made a firm decision on Ireland's continued membership of the European Community irrespective of the outcome of the British referendum; and if he will now publicly announce this decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
80.
As I said previously to the Deputy, this is a hypothetical question and the conditions in which the decision would have to be made are not fully known. However, as I also said to the Deputy at the time, it seems clear that the consequences for us of British withdrawal would be aggravated if we ourselves were also to leave the Community.
Consequently we intend to remain in the Community if the UK with-draws. We would of course make every effort to minimise the economic disadvantages to us of the withdrawal of the UK.
Would the Minister accept that a firm declaration from us might influence the British decision in favour of remaining within the Community which is, of course, what we would like to happen?
The Government's position is well known. Where we have made it known publicly at various times, in various countries, it made a considerable impact on opinion. This is true not merely in Britain, when publicity was given to our view, but also in France and Germany. There is no doubt that the Government's clear statement of intention has had a significant effect and has been very welcome in countries on the Continent as well as in Britain.
While I welcome what the Minister has said, it is rather different from a decision because the Minister indicated in the House that studies were being undertaken as to where our advantage would lie. I am simply asking the Minister if he does not think now it would be appropriate, in order to almost assure the result which we would like, that a firm decision arising out of those studies would be announced?
I really do not think that would be appropriate because the Government's decision in a formal sense on a matter of that kind can be taken only in the light of all the available facts, which would include of course the terms and conditions on which Britain would have commercial relations with the Community. It is our assessment that we do not envisage any circumstances in which the right answer would be for us to leave. I think a formal decision cannot be taken on a hypothetical question. I do not think any Government can, or should, take any formal decisions on hypothetical matters. But, short of that technicality, we have made our position very explicit and nobody is in any doubt about it.
Do I interpret the Minister as saying, then, that allowing that some such unforeseen arrangements could emerge if Britain decided to stay out—something that could not be foreseen at present—the Government have in fact come to the decision that we should remain in the Community?
The Government have taken no formal decision on the matter, could not and, I think, should not take a formal decision on a hypothetical question. But given how clear-cut are the issues, as we see them, we have stated what are our intentions in a manner which makes it quite clear and which, in so far as people in Britain would be influenced by our decision, enables them to be so influenced, including the Irish population in Britain.
I hope the Minister is right because we are both hoping for the same conclusion.
Yes.
In the light of the Minister's, and our, commitment to the European Economic Community, the question of our withdrawing would be unthinkable.
Yes, I agree with the Deputy.