asked the Taoiseach if he has received an assurance from the European Economic Community that the territorial boundaries of the applicant countries at the time of the signing of the Treaty of Accession, particularly the border between this country and Northern Ireland, will not be binding in any context of future entry into the EEC; and, if not, if he will seek an assurance in this regard.

The Treaty of Accession of Ireland and the other applicant countries to the EEC contains no indication of the territory of the states party to it, nor does it contain any provision or implication in regard to the recognition or guarantee of territorial boundaries. The question does not therefore arise of an assurance in the terms referred to by the Deputy.

Would the Taoiseach say whether he signed for 26 counties or 32 counties?

The description of the State on behalf of which we signed is "Ireland".

Did the Taoiseach not object to their signing for six counties——

All international agreements to which we are party and to which Britain are also party describe the teritories as "Ireland" on the one hand and "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" on the other hand. There has been no implication whatever that we are precluded from pursuing our desire for a united Ireland.

Was the Taoiseach not aware that Mr. Heath was signing for Great Britain and Northern Ireland and that all the concessions were for Great Britain and Northern Ireland? Was the Taoiseach aware of this?

Is the Taoiseach satisfied that European countries are as fully aware of this international situation as he has just announced? Is he satisfied that other EEC members are so aware?

The Deputy may be assured that they are aware because they were told personally of the situation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.