asked the Taoiseach whether any consultation will be held with the new French administration on Ireland's application for membership of the EEC; and if he is prepared to make a statement as to how recent events in France are likely to affect this country's membership prospects.

We have been keeping in close touch with the French authorities on the question of this country's application for membership of the European Economic Community and this we shall, of course, continue to do with any new French administration.

It would be premature for me at this stage to make a statement of the type sought in the second part of the Deputy's question.

Could the Minister say whether any reconsideration of the general application by this Government for entry to the European Economic Community has taken place, or will take place, in the wake of the retirement of the late President of France whose views on this country's application are known?

No change is contemplated.

Has any reconsideration been given to the matter in the light of events?

No consideration.