Peter Barry
Question:48 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland has actively supported Austria's application for membership of the European Communities.
Written Answers. - Austrian EC Application.
Consideration by member states of the Austrian application to join the EC has to date been limited. The application was made in July 1989 and in accordance with procedures was referred by the Council of Ministers to the Commission for an opinion. The Commission's opinion, which is broadly positive, was delivered in August 1991. This will form the basis of a detailed consideration by the Council in which we will play our part.
While it would not be appropriate to elaborate our approach to the issue in advance of the council's debate, our view has been that the Austrian case for membership is a strong one and this has been borne out by the Commission's opinion.