asked the Taoiseach if he can now indicate when Ireland's application for membership of the EEC will be heard in detail; and approximately when a definite decision will be reached on the application.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Ireland's Application.
1.
I would refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to a question by Deputy Cosgrave on the 26th June. I am not at present in a position to say when our application for membership will be heard in more detail, nor would I venture an opinion as to when a definite decision on the application may be reached.
Is it part of the Government's plan to await the decision of the British application before pressing for a detailed hearing of our own application?
We have not any plan in the matter. It is our understanding that it is the intention of the Council of the European Economic Community to process all the applications for membership with a view to reaching conclusions simultaneously. In these circumstances there is obviously nothing to be gained or lost in pressing for a speedier hearing for our application or until the Council consider they are in a position to deal with it.
Am I to understand that our application, together with the British, Swedish and, possibly, the Austrian applications, will all be processed in the one operation and a decision then announced?
The Deputy should not relate our application to those of Sweden and Austria. Our application is for membership.
Hear, hear.
The intention, as expressed to us, is that the final decisions on the applications for membership will be reached simultaneously.
Would the Taoiseach put it that there is not likely to be a decision in the next 12 months?
I think it will come earlier than that.