asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the action, if any, he intends to take to prevent the wholesale exploitation of this country's offshore fishing grounds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Fishing Grounds.
23.
(Cavan): Exploitation of the fishing grounds within our 12-mile exclusive fishery limits comes within the jurisdiction of the State and statutory regulations under the fisheries Acts governing fishing in that area are made by me as required. The State has no statutory jurisdiction over the exploitation of offshore fishing grounds located outside our 12-mile exclusive fishery limits. Exploitation of those offshore fisheries of interest to this country is controlled as necessary by international organisation of which we are a member.
Just as a matter of record, what are the international organisations?
(Cavan): I understand that I have some information.
I understand that it is difficult for the Minister for Lands to reply on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary in charge of fisheries. We know where the Parliamentary Secretary is. It is unfortunate that he is not here attending to the business of the Dáil.
He is working in the national interest.
He is working in Cork County Council. I am asking the Government through the Minister for Lands what international organisations we are a member of? They should press this matter of extending the offshore fisheries to 200 miles.
(Cavan): Ireland is a member of the following organisations which regulate the off-shore fishing grounds with which we are concerned—North East Atlantic Fisheries and International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.
I would ask the Minister or his colleagues in the Government to urge on the organisations to extend the offshore fishery limits to 200 miles to prevent the clear exploitation by the larger nations which are coming in here with large fishing fleets exploiting our sea fisheries.
The Deputy should avoid making statements.
The Government should engage in consultation with these organisations—
The Deputy is making a speech. This is not in order at Question Time.
It is a matter that demands a speech.
It will not be allowed. The Deputy may not make a statement at Question Time. The Deputy will obey the Chair and resume his seat.
May I have the Minister's reply?
(Cavan): The Deputy is obviously not being serious.
I am being extremely serious.
(Cavan): Our exclusive fishery rights extend over a limit of five miles. The Deputy mentioned extending them to 200 miles. Surely he is not being serious.
I am being very serious.
(Cavan): I will ask the Parliamentary Secretary to consider the Deputy's request.
It is my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment but not this evening. I will await the return of the Parliamentary Secretary from Cork County Council.
The Deputy must give notice on the day on which he intends to raise the question on the Adjournment.
Could I ask the Minister to make a statement on the recent court decision in Northern Ireland affecting the fisheries grounds?
The Deputy knows this is not in order.
(Cavan): This is a matter of international importance. If the Deputy wants to raise it, he should put down a question.