asked the Minister for External Affairs if he has any further statement to make on the extension of the territorial waters of the State for the preservation of fishing grounds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Territorial Waters.
18.
On the 26th October last, I informed Deputy Corish, in reply to a similar question, that we thought it preferable, if possible, to act in agreement with other States in this matter. I said also that, following the failure of the United Nations Conference on this subject last Spring, we have kept in touch with the principal States concerned and that we were aware that the possibilities of an arrangement covering as many States as possible were being considered.
There is nothing which I could usefully add at this stage to that statement.
Could the Taoiseach indicate if there is likely to be another international conference in the near future?
If the Deputy is referring to a full scale conference under the auspices of the United Nations, I do not think so.
Does that mean it is quite possible that the situation may remain as it is indefinitely?
I suppose it is possible, but, as I have said, various discussions and suggestions for action on a regional basis have been, put forward and something may come of them.
There is a bilateral agreement between Norway and Britain. Would the Taoiseach not consider the possibility of a bilateral agreement between this country and the United Kingdom?
That is an entirely separate question.