asked the Minister for External Affairs what progress had been made in connection with the definition of our territorial waters in accordance with the generally applicable provisions of the judgment of the Hague International Court of Justice in the case of Great Britain versus Norway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Definition of Territorial Waters.
Since I replied to a similar question before the Christmas recess, this matter has been referred to the various Departments concerned with jurisdiction in coastal waters for a further detailed examination.
The judgment of the Hague International Court in the case of Great Britain versus Norway is being studied in this connection with a view to ascertaining how far it may be desirable to implement it here, particularly in regard to exclusive fishery limits.
Will the Minister say whether or not a map setting out the extent of our territorial waters in accordance with this judgment has been drawn up? Has such a map been prepared?
Maps in connection with the possible effect of it have been prepared.
Has that map been approved by any of the Departments concerned?
Not that I am aware of.
Is the Minister satisfied that it was, in fact, examined and approved on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture before the change of Government?
Of course, as the Deputy is aware, the question of fishery limits is not a matter which falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the Minister for Agriculture. Other Departments are interested in it and whether the matter is approved by the Minister for Agriculture or not would not necessarily involve the acceptance of that view by other Departments and until the complete examination has been conducted it is not possible to give him a definite answer to the particular query he has put.
I understand that the Department of Agriculture would examine the matter in relation to the fishery interest only. Each other Department, I take it, had it submitted to them for examination from the point of view of their interest. How many of these Departments have examined and approved or have disapproved of the draft map?
That is a separate question. The Deputy did not ask it originally. As I said, the matter has been referred to the other interested Departments and I am awaiting their reports.