asked the Minister for Transport the maritime limits within which Ireland has sole authority for shipping.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maritime Limits.
16.
Ireland exercises jurisdiction over Irish-registered ships wherever they may be.
In the case of foreign ships, Ireland exercises jurisdiction, within the territorial limit of three miles, covering such matters as boarding by customs, production and verification of ships' papers, and documentation of passengers and cargo. It also includes examination and surveys by authorised officers, with power to detain a vessel found to be unseaworthy in any respect, and compliance with international regulations relating to maritime rules of the road and the display of lights and signals.
Ireland has taken power, under the relevant international convention, to intervene, either within territorial waters or on the high seas, to take special protective measures in the case of a ship which presents a serious threat of oil pollution off the Irish coastline or of related interests.
Irish harbour authorities and pilotage authorities exercise control within the legally prescribed limits of their jurisdiction in regard to such matters as the taking on of pilots, safe passage through navigable waterways and berthing and un-berthing.
The Minister told us that the maritime limit was three miles and that the Government have authority to take action if there is a danger on the high seas and I should like to know the limit we are entitled to go.
With regard to our own ships?
No, all ships.
In relation to foreign ships Ireland has jurisdiction while they are within Irish coastal waters and this jurisdiction is firmly exercised in relation to ship safety. International conventions relating to intervention on high seas in cases of oil pollution casualties which were drawn up in 1969 authorise the State to take protective action even outside territorial waters against any ship which presents a risk of serious oil pollution to the State's coastline or to related interests, for example, fisheries and so on.
I asked the Minister to tell us the extent of that limit.
Any distance out.
If they are in international waters?
Yes, if those dangers are present.