asked the Minister for External Affairs what progress has been made in the matter of the extension of the fishing limit from three to twelve miles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Fishing Limit.
31.
As the Minister for External Affairs has stated more than once in the House, our preference in any matter of extension of fishing limits is by way of agreement with other States rather than by unilateral action. In the course of his speech on the Estimates for his Department in June last the Minister pointed out that various suggestions had been made for a further effort to secure agreement on this question following the failure of the United Nations Conference last Spring. Since that time we have kept in touch with the principal States concerned and, while nothing positive has yet developed, we are aware that the possibilities of an arrangement covering as many States as possible are being considered.
The Deputy can rest assured that we will neglect no opportunity of bringing about agreement in this field.
Has the Taoiseach any information as to when a conference similar to that which took place last Spring will be held again?
I could not say. Various suggestions for a similar conference, or a regional conference, have been made. Up to date, nothing definite has emerged.
Could the Taoiseach say who convenes such a conference?
A full scale conference would naturally be convened by the United Nations. Whether a regional conference or a conference on some other basis, would be undertaken by the United Nations is one of the matters under consideration.
Does the Taoiseach think it would be premature for our Minister for External Affairs to take the initiative in seeing that such a conference is held?
We have had consultations with some of the other Governments concerned, but I should not like to describe that as taking the initiative.
Is the Taoiseach aware that some European States have secured a limit of up to six miles?
Not in so far as international law is concerned.