Northern Ireland Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (79)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

79. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding recent negotiations he and his officials have had regarding the sovereignty and territory of Lough Foyle; if he has discussed the matter at recent meetings with his British counterpart, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Right Honourable William Hague MP; the status of the current negotiations with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29302/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On foot of discussions which I had with the Foreign Secretary in autumn 2011, the two Governments have agreed to seek to address and resolve jurisdictional issues relating to both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough. To this end, a series of meetings at official level have taken place involving the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Northern Ireland Office, the Office of the First and deputy First Minister and officials from my Department. While the issues involved are complex and involve a range of different actors, I am satisfied that all sides are committed to resolving them as soon as possible.