asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the contingency plans drawn up to deal with the danger of over-fishing in the waters surrounding Ireland if British trawlers are no longer able to operate within 200 miles of Iceland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Over-Fishing Danger.
14.
Developments in the dispute between Iceland and Great Britain are being kept under close review in my Department. I must, of course, await the final outcome and assess the implications for the Irish fishing industry before deciding what action on my part may be necessary.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that already, in spite of the British Navy's protection of boats, very many English boats have started fishing off our waters and this could bring about a great risk to our fishery stocks and the livelihood of our fishermen? Surely he can now make contingency plans to deal with an escalation of this situation should the Icelandic unilateral declaration be successful?
I can assure the Deputy that the Department are keeping a watchful eye on our fishery stocks and that all aspects of our sea fisheries are continually under close scrutiny. We are mindful of our obligations so far as our membership of the EEC and our membership of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission are concerned. He can rest assured that this is a matter that is not being lost sight of.
In view of the serious implications of the likely development of events, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider making a unilateral declaration himself in relation to, say, 50 miles of our coastal waters?
That is a separate question.
It is not the intention of the Government to make unilateral arrangements at present and this I am sure is not likely to be changed in the immediate future but if some things happen that we cannot foresee at present then the position could be received. Our membership of the EEC and of the NEAFC and our representation at the Law of he Sea Conference indicate clearly that we cannot make unilateral arrangements.