andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement on the recently reported extension of territorial waters by certain nations, including Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Territorial Waters.
10.
I have not seen any recent reports to the effect that Ireland has extended its territorial seas. Such an extension could not be effected without legislation.
11.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether, further to a reply of 23rd April with regard to the extension of territorial waters, he has now received notice from the British Government of their intention, even in the case of failure of multilateral negotiations, to take unilateral action in extending their sea fisheries limits as from May, 1964; whether he has received an invitation from the British Government to a Conference of European Powers on this question; and whether, should no agreement be reached at such a conference, Ireland will take unilateral steps to extend this country's sea fisheries limits.
An invitation has been received from the British Government to a conference concerning fishing rights, access to markets, rights of establishment and policing.
As to the British Government's intention in the matter, I would refer the Deputy to the statement made in the House of Commons by Mr. Edward Heath on 29th April last.
So far as Ireland is concerned we shall have to await developments. Our preference for international agreement in this field has frequently been stated.
I take it the Taoiseach appreciates that the British Government say they intend, if they cannot get international agreement, to extend their territorial limits, and is the Taoiseach in a position to say whether we would follow the same course, in the absence of international agreement?
The Deputy will appreciate the difficulty of a small country, without naval power, extending its territorial waters, except in the context of an international agreement. I would hope that this conference will produce an agreement at least of a regional character.
We all have the same hope, but could the Taoiseach give any information to the House as to what the Government's attitude would be in the event of Britain taking unilateral action?
It would be an important factor in our thinking.
Would we do likewise —would we take an example from them?