Vol. 519 No. 2
94 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposal to give effect to Article 101 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which relates to piracy, so that Irish fisherman can be protected from harassment and intimidation between the 12 mile and 200 mile limits; and when he expects such legislation to be in place. [13266/00]
I have undertaken to bring forward legislation to deal with incidents against Irish vessels which may amount to piracy as defined under international law and, on the basis of recent discussions between officers of my Department and of the Office of the Attorney General, legislative proposals are being prepared and will be put to the Government shortly. These proposals will include, inter alia, giving the power of arrest to the naval authorities in circumstances where a vessel is suspected of having caused malicious damage to another vessel or its gear. It is envisaged currently that such powers will apply both within the 12 mile territorial limit and on the high seas outside that limit.
