Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on reports that Iceland may be asked to join the EU and the implications which that might have for the distribution of fishing quota. [11738/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There has been speculation recently about the possibility of Iceland applying for membership of the European Union (EU). As with any other European country, Iceland would not be "asked" to join the EU. It is entirely up to countries who wish to become members to make an application for membership, provided they meet the Copenhagen Criteria which set out the basic standards for membership.

In the event of Iceland deciding to apply for membership of the EU, the application would be considered in accordance with established procedures set down by the EU. The full process would take several years to finalise.

The time frame will give adequate time in the accession negotiations to deal with issues such as quota distribution. It would be unhelpful and purely hypothetical to speculate on the matter in advance.