Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
154. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the maritime jurisdiction Bill 2019; the timeframe for its progression through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2998/21]
View answerThe purpose of the Maritime Jurisdiction Bill is to update and consolidate in one, stand-alone enactment the State's maritime jurisdiction legislation, in particular Part 3 of the 2006 Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act and the 1968 Continental Shelf Act. It is being brought forward in parallel with the Maritime Area (Planning) Bill (formerly the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill), which will establish a new marine planning consent system.
Drafting of the Maritime Jurisdiction Bill is now nearing completion following consultations with relevant Departments. I plan shortly to submit the Bill to the Government for its approval and then to introduce it in the Oireachtas during the current session, with a view to enactment later this year.
