In the event of the Austrian and Turkish applications being successful or given the green light, would the Taoiseach foresee during the Irish Presidency overtures being made to some of the eastern European countries, who are no longer as tightly tied to the Soviet Union as they once were, such as Hungary and Poland, to apply for membership?

I do not think so. That area was explored during the recent meeting in Paris and the view was that the Community will certainly have to consider its relationship with these countries, particularly if they are successful in establishing full democratic freedom and free elections and so on, but this was considered to be something that is down the road. As the Deputy knows, there are various degrees of relationships which can be offered to third countries, such as the eastern European countries, varying from a simple straightforward trade agreement to some sort of association. Nobody is ruling out any such formula in the case of the eastern European countries and indeed I do not think there would be any wish by the member states to even rule out full membership at some stage but I would have to say that the general view, as I interpret it, of the member states at this stage is that these considerations are fairly far down the road. That is not to say there could not be an interim limited type of arrangement made with these countries.

Question No. 3.

Would the Taoiseach——

Next question, please.

May I ask one brief supplementary?

I have allowed the Deputy to ask some questions. I also want to dispose of the other questions, Deputy.

Would the Taoiseach agree that an indication to these emerging countries should be given that if they adopt a full democratic process then an application for membership would be welcomed by member states, particularly by us?

I cannot speak for the Community but I would certainly foresee some such development.

Would it be helpful if such an indication were given.

Yes.