asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the median line, as effecting Ireland's rights and interest in offshore exploration, has been established clearly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Exploration.
3.
The division of the Continental Shelf between neighbouring countries is not necessarily determined by the median line however defined. The primary rule of customary international law is division in accordance with equitable principles. As yet we have not concluded any such agreement but, of course, both our neighbours and ourselves are aware of the need to negotiate such an agreement and we are preparing our position for these negotiations.
Is the Minister aware that some of our neighbours are already operating near what might be regarded or could justifiably be anticipated as the median line?
The Government are so aware and are conscious of the need to proceed with the negotiations.
Apart from the Government being conscious of the need, could the Minister indicate what positive action has been taken so that that which might rightfully be taken within our jurisdiction will not have gone to somebody else?
I think the Deputy will be conscious of the need that any statement made here should not be of a nature that would prejudice Ireland's position in relation to pending negotiations. Therefore, it is not possible for me to reply with the degree of explicitness in this whole area that the Deputy would wish and as I, normally, would wish. This is understood generally in relation to negotiations pending. I trust the Deputy will accept my reply.
Would the Minister not accept that, on the contrary, instead of something said here being prejudicial, it might be advantageous to our position?
It might be and I hope that everything that has been said both by the Deputy and by me will be advantageous.