asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Turkey has applied for full membership of the EC; if Ireland has expressed any view formally or informally to the Commission and/or to Turkey on this application; his views on whether Turkey's application and proposed full membership of the EC is either in Ireland's, Turkey's or the Community interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey's EC Membership Application.
10.
Turkey submitted its application for membership of the Communities on 14 April 1987. This matter was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 27 April, which I attended and where it was decided to refer the application to the Commission for an opinion, in accordance with the terms of Article 237 of the EC Treaty. This opinion, when it issues, will be given the fullest consideration by the Government.
With respect to the other parts of my question, have the Irish Government at this stage expressed any view, either formally or informally—but with a stress on the informal — to the Commission, or indeed to Turkey on this application?
Not at this stage.
No views have been expressed informally by the Irish Government?
No, neither informally nor formally, beyond the procedures which were adopted in regard to the other acceding countries, as when we acceded along with Denmark and Britain and when Greece, Portugal and Spain started their accession processes. The same process of procedure would obtain in regard to Turkey which means a reference, which occurred last week, by the Council of Ministers to the Commission for their opinion on the matter. That sets the procedure in motion. The political decision of which the Deputy speaks is a separate matter for later consideration.
Am I right in assuming that the examination which the Commission will now prepare in the form of an opinion for the Council of Ministers would be concerned primarily with the economic and socio-economic factors of Turkey's application and will not in any way have regard to the fact that Turkey is not a democratic State?
It will be primarily concerned with the socio-economic factors involved. The other factor referred to by the Deputy concerning the political or constitutional structure of the State is, of course, a matter for political consideration by the Council of Ministers.
One final question: in view of what the Minister has just said; would he not agree that it would be more productive, more honest and, indeed, more useful in terms of scarce Commission time for the Council to indicate politically to the President of the Commission and to the Republic of Turkey that until such time as Turkey becomes a full democratic State any form of application for full membership of the Community is premature?
With any country with which the Community has had a long association, as in the case of Turkey where an association agreement has been in place for a number of years, the procedure that has been followed would be followed. It is merely following precedent in regard to previous acceding countries. We can judge the issues raised by the Deputy at a later stage. That is the equitable way to proceed.
Would the Minister not indicate that it would be helpful for the people of Turkey if the Commission and the various Heads of State of the member states made it clear to the authorities of Turkey that their application will not be considered unless there are dramatic improvements in the democratic situation in Turkey? It would be helpful at this stage for life in Turkey if that were done.
I do not agree with that. That is a matter, it is hoped, for the Turkish people themselves. We await the day when what Deputy Quinn wishes to happen will happen. As of now it is the socio-economic aspects of Turkey's membership — which are quite substantial — which are being examined. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.