asked the Minister for External Affairs if it is proposed to extend the limits of our territorial waters to six miles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Limits of Territorial Waters.
We have the matter of maritime jurisdiction under active consideration.
I hope to introduce a Bill early next session which will implement several of the matters adopted by the recent Geneva Conference of the Law of the Sea, including the employment of the straight base line system for the delimiting of territorial seas.
Can the Minister say if that will involve an extension of the territory to six miles?
We hope to circulate the Bill during the Recess, when the Deputy will see it.
Will the Minister circulate a map with it?
We shall put one up.
How can the Bill be circulated if permission has not been obtained to introduce it?
We can circulate it. We can show it to Deputies, I hope.
Is it proposed to ask for permission for the introduction of the Bill to-day, before the House rises?
No.
On a point of clarification. The Minister has told us, in reply to a parliamentary question, that he proposes to circulate a Bill, and to hang up a map, in the course of the Recess. Would the Minister be good enough to tell us how he will circulate a Bill if the First Stage has not been moved in this House?
We shall see.
Mr. MacEntee rose.
Now helpful Henry will intervene. Would the Minister for Health, for the love of goodness, sit down? The Taoiseach is here. The Minister for External Affairs is here. Either can answer my question but the Minister for Health cannot. Would the Minister for External Affairs tell us if it is a fact that the Bill in question will not be circulated until after the Recess or does he propose to issue some kind of a White Paper indicating the intentions of the Government in respect of the legislation?
This Bill could be introduced in the Seanad and circulated. Apparently Deputy Dillon is not aware of the rights of the Seanad.
Tell that to the Minister for External Affairs.
I do not think there will be any great difference of opinion between the members of the Dáil as to what we should do in this matter. I hope to inform the principal Opposition Party about the matter and show them what we propose to do before we publish the Bill.
May I inquire if the Minister's proposals conform with the case we made at the Geneva Convention?
I would prefer not to answer any further question on that matter at the present time.