asked the Minister for Fisheries if Irish fishermen may exercise their traditional rights in the six-to-twelve-mile zone off the Isle of Man, without the permission of the Isle of Man or British Governments.
33.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Irish Sea Fishing .
32.
asked the Minister for Fisheries the authority which the British Government have to prevent Irish boats fishing in the Irish Sea outside the British and Isle of Man 12-mile limits.
34.
asked the Minister for Fisheries if, in view of the major dispute which occurred over the Irish Sea-Manx herring fishery in 1977, he will make a statement on the proposals for the management of this fishery in 1978.
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 33 and 34 together.
Irish fishermen may exercise their traditional rights within the six-to-twelve mile zone off the Isle of Man subject to the rules and regulations, including any licensing requirements, quota restrictions and so on in operation in these waters at the patricular time.
Unless fishing generally is banned in the area or the Irish quotas are exhausted, there is nothing to prevent Irish fishing vessels from fishing in the Irish Sea outside the British and Isle of Man 12-mile fishery limits.
Apart from the EEC proposal for quotas, there are so far no other proposals for the management of the Irish Sea-Manx herring fishery in 1978.
: Is the Minister aware that an Irish boat was boarded by a British patrol vessel outside the Manx 12-mile limit last year and that the British and Manx Governments seem to have complete control east of the median line in the Irish Sea, a situation which would appear to be contrary to international law?
: I have no information about that matter.
: It is on record.