Dáil Éireann - Volume 186 - 08 February, 1961

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.E.C. and E.F.T.A. Developments.

Mr. Norton Mr. Norton

9. Mr. Norton asked that Taoiseach whether any recent developments have taken place in relation to the E.E.C. and E.F.T.A. which have altered the position of this country in respect of its adherence to either group.

The Taoiseach Seán F. Lemass

The Taoiseach: There have not been any recent developments in relation to the European Economic Community and the European Free Trade Area which would warrant a change in the attitude we have hitherto taken towards adherence to either group.

Mr. Norton Mr. Norton

Mr. Norton: May I take it from the Taoiseach's reply that the whole position vis-á-vis both these trading groups in Europe is as indecisive as it was twelve months ago?

The Taoiseach Seán F. Lemass

11

[11] The Taoiseach: I dealt with this situation in a speech which I made recently in which I said that we do not expect any developments earlier than next year, and perhaps the year after.

Mr. Norton Mr. Norton

Mr. Norton: I take it that our position in the meantime is that no steps have been taken to develop any kind of liaison with E.E.C.——.

The Taoiseach Seán F. Lemass

The Taoiseach: We have a kind of liaison with E.E.C.——

Mr. Norton Mr. Norton

Mr. Norton: ——which offers a market for a substantial amount of our agricultural produce?

The Taoiseach Seán F. Lemass

The Taoiseach: That is a debatable question. We have a Minister accredited to the European Economic Community.

Dáil Éireann 186 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. E.E.C. and E.F.T.A. Developments.

Questions

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