asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state what is the most recent occasion on which an approach was made to the British Government in connection with the dispute as to (a) fishery rights in Lough Foyle, and (b) jurisdiction over the waters of that Lough, and what are the results of that approach; further, if any permission was sought from the Government of the Saorstát for the use of these waters in connection with the landing and stay there recently of the Italian Air Armada; if so, on what conditions was permission granted, and, if not, was any protest on this matter addressed to the British Government and with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Rights in Lough Foyle.
The question of the fishing dispute in Lough Foyle has recently been the subject of correspondence between the Government of the Irish Free State and the British Government. The two Governments are still in communication upon the matter. As regards the question of jurisdiction over the waters of the Lough the situation remains as stated in the reply given to Deputy McMenamin on the 27th October, 1932. I then made it clear that the Government declined to submit any Treaty issue to a Commonwealth Tribunal. The situation in that regard remains unaltered.
With regard to that part of the Deputy's question which refers to the flight of the Italian Air Armada, the permission of the Government of the Irish Free State for the use of the waters of Lough Foyle in connection with the flight was requested by the Italian Government and permission was granted.
Am I to take it that with regard to jurisdiction over the waters of the Lough there has been no progress made?
No progress.