asked the Taoiseach how the Government envisage the optimum use of a 200-mile zone.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Limit.
1.
The indefinite nature of the Deputy's question makes it impossible for me to give a substantive reply to it.
In view of the importance of the 200-mile extension which we hope to get in the near future — we are lead to believe it will be a reality after the Law of the Sea Conference — would the Taoiseach agree there does not seem to be any definite movement on the part of the Government to explore the economic wealth there for us when we get control of that area?
Unfortunately the Deputy did not specify exactly what he wanted. I got in touch with all the affected Departments but, because the question did not refer to any particular aspect, or aspects, it is not possible to give a substantive reply. We have made our views known on the 200-mile limits at the Law of the Sea Conference. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate there are a great many aspects other than the fishery end which will come up at that conference. I would be anxious to answer the Deputy's query but because of the particular nature of it it is not possible to give a definite reply.
It is because I realise this is a very broad subject that I put down the question in this way. Could the Taoiseach tell the House if the Government have any idea of priorities or what progress has been made in exploring the various possibilities in regard to this huge zone over which we are about to get control?
The Deputy will appreciate that there is a fishing zone, there is the sea bed from the point of view of petroleum, or possibly gas, and a whole range of other possibilities. If the Deputy puts down a specific question on any or all of those possibilities I shall endeavour to get replies but, so far as the fishing zone is concerned, we have made our views known at the Law of the Sea Conference and representatives will, of course, be attending the March session.
The Taoiseach has stated it is necessary to co-ordinate the various assets and various Departments interested in this development. Can he tell the House if anything has been done to get the Departments involved to co-ordinate their efforts in regard to the potential development of this area?
Certainly there has been consultation among all the interested Departments.
Would the Taoiseach say if it will be required of this Government in making a case for the 200 mile limit to give certain undertakings or prove certain things? I can think of one, the ability of this country to protect the 200 mile limit. Surely it may be required of us to show that we can——
A brief supplementary question, please.
——now reach a stage where we will be able to do this and are any preparations of any of the aspects being made so that we can answer "Yes" to some of the things we may be required to do?
The Deputy will appreciate that is really a matter for the Minister for Defence.