Vol. 482 No. 7
27 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the bodies with which he will consult in relation to the Irish fishing industry before an Order is made redrawing Britain's fishery limits and measuring them from St. Kilda rather than Rockall; his views on this development; and the assurance, if any, he will give that fishery protection will be adequate to police a new agreement. [19014/97]
The Deputy's question relates to the decision last July of the United Kingdom Government to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This decision was accompanied by an order restating UK fishery limits as required under the terms of the convention and which in effect removes any UK claim to a fishing zone around the island of Rockall.
A full assessment, involving all relevant Departments, of the implications for Ireland of the United Kingdom's accession to UNCLOS is under way. Any necessary consequential actions will be pursued as appropriate following this assessment. My Department has had discussions with the fishing industry, on the implications of alteration of the UK fisheries limits. There will be further consultation as required.
The initial advice to me is that the redrawing by the UK of the fisheries limits should not have a significant effect on the Irish fishing industry. The Irish exclusive economic zone will continue to be efficiently and effectively policed by our own fisheries protection services.
