asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the draft agenda for the forthcoming meeting of EEC heads of state.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Meeting.
2.
There is no formal agenda as such for these meetings. The European Council arranges to discuss in an order agreed at the start of the meeting, matters of concern, both internally and externally, to the Community and the member states.
Could I request the Taoiseach, in a general, constructive sense, for possible measures to help in the very desperate state of our economy at the moment, from the point of view of import restrictions, or something which might help the unemployment situation? Is there anything positive or constructive which he feels might be introduced and accepted as such?
I think the Deputy knows that the Council would not be the place to deal with specific matters of that sort. The Deputy can be assured that I—and indeed, as far as I know, many other heads of government—will be raising the general state of the economy throughout the Community, with particular emphasis on the problem of unemployment.
Does the Taoiseach expect, if he himself takes part, to have the question of the CAP, which is so important to this country, discussed there, particularly in the light of the attacks on the CAP which have been coming from many quarters in recent months?
Yes, I shall be—there and elsewhere—making it very clear that we are totally opposed to any taking away from the fundamental principles of the common agricultural policy. I shall avail of every opportunity which offers to emphasise the importance to us as a nation and as an economy, of this common agricultural policy.
One last question. Does the Taoiseach anticipate that there will be any discussion regarding the budgetary problems, particularly the 1 per cent limit, bearing in mind again the statement of Lord Carrington yesterday that he saw no possibility of an increase in the present limit of the EEC?
I would certainly think that, in any general discussion on the economy of the Community, the 1 per cent limit would be something which would arise for consideration.
Would the Taoiseach press for a raising of that limit?
We have already indicated our views in various Councils on the need to provide adequate resources in the Community for the financing of the different programmes.
Could I ask the Taoiseach whether he will be seeking support from any other quarter in the Community on the question of raising the 1 per cent limit? I assure him of the support of all of us on this side of the House in any efforts he makes in this regard in view of its crucial importance to the common social policy.
I am grateful for the support from the Opposition benches. As I have indicated to the Deputy's colleagues, I shall lose no opportunity in pressing our case and, indeed, in my view, the case for the proper development of the Community in this regard.