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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 1962

Vol. 196 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Territorial Waters.

20.

asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will consider negotiating a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom for the extension of Ireland's territorial waters, pending a wider international agreement.

As the Deputy is aware the Government have been very anxious to see international agreement on as wide a basis as possible on the question of the breadth of the territorial sea and fishing limits. Since the failure, however, of the 1960 Geneva Conference to secure a general agreement there has been no substantial progress in that direction.

So far as we are concerned if an effective agreement is to be achieved for an extension of our fishery limits outside the framework of a general convention it would obviously be necessary to negotiate with several other countries as well as Britain. The question of the extension of our fishery limits is, of course, of continuing concern to the Government and all aspects of the matter, including the completion of bilateral agreements, should they prove feasible, will be kept under constant review.

Can the Minister give any indication as to what is the likelihood of a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom? Will the Minister bear in mind that as most of our fish exports go to the United Kingdom, such a bilateral agreement would not be prejudicial in any way to our exports? For that reason, would he not negotiate to try to make it effective as soon as possible?

From the point of view of the protection of our fisheries and keeping foreign trawlers outside the 12 miles, it would be necessary to have agreement not only with Britain but with a number of other countries which traditionally fish off our coast.

Can the Minister say with whom the initiative lies for calling a conference with a view to an extention of fishery limits?

Several countries are interested in it, including ourselves, and there have been diplomatic soundings since the failure of the 1960 conference at Geneva. No particular country is responsible for taking the initiative.

Could Ireland take the initiative in convening such a conference at a time which the Minister thought appropriate?

We could, of course.

Is there any proposal to reconvene the conference?

Not at the moment.

Does the Minister not think it is appropriate to take the initiative?

I do not think this is the time to do it.

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