asked the Taoiseach how this country's accession to the EEC will affect Ireland's position with regard to GATT.

Ireland's position as a Contracting Party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade will not be affected by our accession to the European Communities.

Can the Taoiseach state if there will be any formal or informal obligation on Ireland as a member of the EEC to adopt a common position in any future GATT negotiations?

There is no obligation at present but, as the Deputy is probably aware, the Commission operate in GATT matters on behalf of the Community under directives of the Council of Ministers. At present the four acceding countries are in consultation with the existing member countries about the positions of the four acceding countries in relation to GATT when they join.

Can the Taoiseach state the present position of the EEC countries in relation to GATT?

In reply to Deputy Bruton's supplementary question, I have indicated that the EEC Commission act on behalf of the Six in relation to GATT matters under the directives of the Council of Ministers.

2.

asked the Taoiseach if it is intended to hold any public ceremony to mark the entry of this country into the EEC.

The question is being examined as to how the accession of Ireland to the European Communities might appropriately be marked.

Would the Taoiseach like to have any suggestions?

If the Deputy has any suggestions I can assure him that they will be examined.

The best way we can mark the accession of Ireland to the EEC is to provide some of the additional employment that was promised during the campaign. Providing jobs in the Taoiseach's county of Cork and in my own little district would be the best way of marking our accession into the EEC. That would be the best way of opening up something down in south-west Cork and we would have a big day.

I am calling Question No. 3.

Would the Taoiseach not agree that one minute's silence might be a suitable way of marking our accession to the EEC?

So long as the Deputy contributed to it.

There is no Deputy in the House more delighted about the whole operation than Deputy Keating.