I wish to reiterate what I said on Second Stage in regard to the control of traffic in the Irish Sea and to ask the Minister if he would consider entering into negotiations with the British authorities for the purpose of ensuring that the present traffic in the Irish Sea is monitored and to determine whether it would be feasible to have shipping laneways in those waters. It has become obvious in recent years that there has been a tremendous increase in an undesirable type of shipping traffic in the Irish Sea and that this, together with the increased number of sailings by ferries and ferry services, must lead to a dangerous position.
Private Business. - Merchant Shipping (Certification of Seamen) Bill, 1979: Fifth Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
There is no great difficulty in discussing the matter but the Deputy will appreciate that the setting up of laneways in these waters would have to be accepted internationally. The British and French authorities discussed the question of laneways with reference to the English Channel but it is not possible to impose a laneway system unilaterally. Therefore, the matter would not be simply one of dealing with the British. All countries are concerned about the question of the freedom of navigation for ships on the high seas.
Since there was international acceptance of the British-French arrangement, I am sure any arrangement we might reach with the British on this matter would be accepted internationally also.
Yes, but provided we are satisfied that any such move would improve the situation.
Question put and agreed to.