asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the successful results which have emerged from arrangements made between the Government and the authorities in the Six Counties in regard to the Foyle fisheries, electricity and transport, which were effected by bi-lateral legislation, he will consider initiating discussions with the Six County authorities with a view to introducing similar agreed legislation in regard to fisheries, so as to provide the best possible facilities for fishing within the proposed extended territorial waters of the State for Irish fishermen north and south of the Border.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries: Discussions with Six County Representatives.
1.
While I think that joint consultation with the Northern Ireland authorities might be useful in this connection, I understand from reports of recent proceedings in the Stormont Parliament that the Northern Ireland Government feel that the matter is one, in the first instance, for the British Government.
As is clear from previous public statements made in this House and elsewhere by the Minister for External Affairs and by me, our attitude towards the question of giving facilities to bona fide Six County fishermen is sympathetic. There are some practical problems involved but I do not regard them as insuperable.
May I enquire from the Taoiseach if he is aware that if the question of negotiation arises between Westminster and our Government it is quite likely, indeed, almost certain, that Westminster will urge that equal facilities be made available for all United Kingdom fishing boats, rather than to have special terms applied to the Six County boats? In view of the disadvantages to genuine Six County fishermen, under those circumstances would the Taoiseach at this stage initiate discussions between the fishermen's representatives on both sides of the Border for the purpose of arriving at an agreed solution to problems that exist at the moment, and perhaps to reach an agreed recommendation on the question of the issue of permits to fishermen who are really bona fide as far as residence in the Six County area is concerned?
There is nothing I wish to add to the reply I have already given.
Would the Taoiseach consider the point I have made with regard to having the representatives of the fishing groups, both North and South, brought together so that a solution on friendly lines would be arrived at?
Question No. 2.