With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, together.
Discussions have not taken place with the Norwegian fishery interests about the possibility of providing special facilities for Norwegians to fish in Irish waters. Contacts have, however, been established with the Norwegian authorities concerning an application by an Irish company for an interest in a petroleum exploration licence in the Norwegian offshore area. During the course of this contact, which involved the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy, various areas of co-operation between Irish and Norwegian interests were suggested. The possibility of an acceptable fishery project being formulated has been mooted, but at this stage I cannot say whether anything definite is likely to emerge.
The Irish Fishermen's Organisation have been informed of the position and will be kept informed of developments. The necessity for consultation with the EEC has not so far arisen, nor is it likely to arise.