asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the negotiations have begun regarding equitable principles to govern the determination of a median line in connection with Ireland's rights and interest in offshore exploration; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Exploration.
1.
While there have been communications between the British and Irish Governments in connection with this matter it was not possible to arrange a mutually convenient date for negotiations prior to the Law of the Sea Conference which begins in Caracas on 20th June.
In view of the importance of this matter would the Minister not agree that it is regrettable that negotiations have not taken place already?
The Deputy will appreciate that this is an issue of very considerable complexity involving legal, geological and sea-charting considerations and that negotiations cannot begin without there being the most careful preparation.
The Deputy accepts that but also that, no matter how weak one may be, one need make no apology for endeavouring to establish one's rights.
Is this a question?
May we have a question, Deputy?
Would the Minister accept that in the matter of our rights we need not be oversensitive regarding our position vis-ávis any other power irrespective of their strength? Would the Minister accept that there is no need for any undue sensitivity on our part in the matter of establishing our rights?
Of course. There is no question about that.
Would the Minister accept that he has given the impression that questions of this nature or an expression of a desire by anybody to establish our rights in this regard may be prejudicial to our claim?
I trust the Deputy will understand that questioning of this kind in advance of negotiations is not necessarily helpful to the negotiators and, therefore, not necessarily in accordance with this country's interests. I hope the Deputy would be governed by that consideration.
This sort of questioning is not necessarily harmful, either.
Would the Minister accept——
I have given the Deputy a fair amount of latitude on this question.
The matter is a very important one.
There are many important questions on the Order Paper.
This matter is too important to be disposed of in one minute.
Would the Minister accept that already some of our neighbours, for whom we are expected to have so much regard, are operating very close to what can be anticipated as a median line?
I am so aware. In 1966 and again in 1970 the Department of Foreign Affairs were notified by the British of their intention to designate certain areas. No objection was raised at the time. The Opposition are now trying to make political party capital at the expense of the interests of this country.
That is not true. Of course, the Minister would not wish to offend the Queen. That would be no concern of mine.
This nonsense of not offending the Queen comes badly from people who themselves raised no objection when they were notified by the British of that country's intention to designate certain areas.
There is no need for comments of that nature.
I am not interested in hypocritical craw-thumping.
Apparently, the Minister is not self-conscious.
There is no need for a heated argument. Let us get on with Question Time.
Can the Minister say if the discussions have included reference to jurisdiction over the island of Rockall, a matter which I raised here many months ago, and can he say what might be the outcome of any such discussions?
That seems to be a separate matter.
It relates to communications with the British Government.