asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the continued destruction of fishing gear by foreign trawlers inside territorial waters, the Government will consider extending the fishing limit to ten miles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Limit of Territorial Waters.
The question of the delimitation of our exclusive fishery limits in accordance with the accepted principles of international law is at present under examination in preparation for an international conference on the law of the sea which is to be held in 1958. Considerations such as those mentioned by the Deputy will be among those to be borne in mind in that regard.
Would the Minister ensure that fishermen from the occupied part of Ireland are entitled to and given full rights——
That is an entirely separate question.
It is most important.
It is a separate question.
This question has been delayed owing to the fact that we have become a member of the United Nations Organisation which is looking into the question of international limits. A Maritime Limitation Bill was in process of formation but has been delayed in preparation and the matter is being re-examined by us as a member of U.N.O. I would also point out to the Deputy that the very inshore character of our fishing will make it difficult to claim an extended boundary, no matter what our wishes might be.
Is the Minister aware that the fishing grounds have been fished out of existence by the various nations and that trawlers are coming down to our grounds and poaching there? Would the Minister take cognisance of the question so as to have this matter cleared up as quickly as possible? If we can extend the limits it should be done.
I quite agree with the Deputy and we are doing everything possible. A decision has to be made in common with other members of the United Nations Organisation who are similarly affected.
Do the remarks of the Minister refer to the fishermen in the occupied part of Ireland as well?