asked the Minister for Finance whether the publication of a White Paper setting out the implications of our joining in the proposed new European Monetary System is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Taoiseach indicated to the House yesterday, a paper will be provided for the purpose of the substantive debate on the question of our joining the proposed European Monetary System.

Would the Minister agree that, if this White Paper is to be an authoritative introduction to a national debate on this very important subject, it should include in the appendices some of the background papers our negotiators used at EEC Ministers level?

The content of the paper can only be decided when the final form of the proposed system has been decided. The paper will be directed to informing the House, and the public, of the position then obtaining. As to what should be the precise content of the paper I can not say.