Peter Barry
Ceist:48 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland has actively supported Austria's application for membership of the European Communities.
Vol. 418 No. 5
48 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland has actively supported Austria's application for membership of the European Communities.
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.