Bernard J. Durkan
Question:290 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the submissions he has made in respect of the law of the sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6502/03]
Written Answers - Law of the Sea.
I have not yet made any submissions in relation to the law of the sea. This issue has arisen at European Union level in the context of the discussions at the transport council conclusions following the Prestige disaster in November 2002. The commission has indicated that it is examining the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea with a view to proposing possible amendments. These would then have to be considered by EU member states. Ireland will consider its position on this matter as part of this process, having regard in particular to the possible effects on shipping traffic off our coastline.
Some member states have set in place procedures to control single-hull oil tankers of more than 15 years of age within their exclusive economic zone and some vessels that were considered dangerous have been expelled. However, a number of member states have expressed concern about the legal basis for such measures and their compatibility with international law. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg is the only body competent for interpreting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.