asked the Minister for External Affairs whether it is now proposed to introduce legislation to provide that fishermen from the Six County area will not be liable to prosecution if they fish within the proposed new extended limits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishermen from Six County Area.
17.
While proposals for legislation are not at present in contemplation, the views which have been expressed concerning the effect of the recent Order on fishermen from the Six County area are having attention.
Is the Taoiseach aware that some months ago I asked the Minister for External Affairs whether legislation was then contemplated on the lines suggested in the question and that the answer was that the matter was under consideration? Would the Taoiseach now say whether that consideration is likely to prove favourable, so far as the Six Counties are concerned?
I have said that certain aspects of the question are receiving attention but the Deputy cannot expect me to forecast, at this stage, the outcome of the consideration being given to them. The Deputy will be aware that some time ago, I mentioned in this House certain matters in regard to which I thought joint consultation might be useful. I regard this as such a matter. The giving of rights to fish within our territorial waters, to fishermen who are bona fide resident in the Six Counties would not, I believe, give rise to insuperable difficulties, so far as our fishing interests are concerned, but certain possible international repercussions would have to be kept in mind, and there might also be difficulty in limiting the concession to the type of people who could be described as bona fide Six County residents.
In view of the change that is to take place with regard to the extended limits, in January, has the Taoiseach any idea as to whether a decision on this matter is likely to be arrived at before 1st January?
I should not like to forecast that.