Denis Maher was a former Member of the Irish Delegation to the negotiations on Ireland’s accession to the European Communities. In his memoirs, he comments on the aide-mémoire which the Irish Government sent to the Six in 1961, at the time Ireland’s first application for accession to the European Communities was submitted.

On 1 August 1961, Sean Lemass, Irish Prime Minister, announces to the national parliament that his Government has submitted an initial request for Ireland’s accession to the European Communities.

On 18 January 1962, three days before the opening, in Brussels, of negotiations on Ireland’s accession to the European Communities, Sean Lemass, Irish Prime Minister, reiterates to Members of the Governments of the Six his country’s determination to become a part of the European Community.

On 21 January 1962, following close on the heels of the United Kingdom, Ireland opens negotiations in Brussels with a view to acceding to the European Economic Community (EEC). General de Gaulle’s use of the veto, on 14 January 1963, temporarily puts an end to Ireland’s ambitions.

On 23 October 1962, Emilio Colombo, President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers of the European Communities, agrees to the request made by the Irish Government for negotiations on Ireland’s membership of the European Communities to begin post-haste.

On 15 November 1963, the European Commission draws up a report on the stance taken by Ireland during the negotiations for its accession to the European Economic Community (EEC).