andSir Anthony Esmonde asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will consider amending the Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 1959 and the Straight Baselines Order, 1959 made thereunder by making the baselines therein referred to from outer headland to outer headland and thus add many valuable acres of fisheries to Irish territorial waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Territorial Waters.
13.
As the Deputies are aware, the straight baselines along our western and southern coasts which were prescribed by the Government under the Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 1959, (Straight Baselines) Order, 1959, resulted in adding many valuable square miles to our exclusive fishing jurisdiction.
The result of the new Fisheries Convention when implemented by the signatory States will be that the exclusive fishing jurisdiction against the traditional fishing States will be measured at six miles from the existing baselines and against all other States at 12 miles. This means that, so far as the Convention is concerned, our existing baselines which we drew in 1959 are now accepted. It is a source of satisfaction to us that as a part of the general compromise France, which had reserved its position in relation to our existing baselines, has now withdrawn her reservations. This accords with the friendly relations which happily exist between our two countries.
Any attempt to prescribe fresh baselines at this moment would, I am afraid, reopen situations which appear now to be satisfactorily resolved.
While I appreciate what the Minister has said, I hope he will also appreciate that within the past 10 years there has been an influx of foreign vessels to the west coast of Ireland with the result that the fisheries there are now being over fished. Were the base lines extended from outer headland to outer headland as suggested in the question many valuable acres of fishing would become exclusively available to our fishermen. Would the Minister reconsider the position?
The Deputy has not given me any indication as to what he has in mind.
I take it it will be in order to raise the matter on the Minister's Estimate?
The fact is that we drew our base lines in a manner which we thought would be generally accepted. The position of one country with regard to the matter was reserved but I am glad to say that that reservation has now been withdrawn and our baselines are recognised.
I take it it is in order to raise the matter on the Estimate?