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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fishing Rights.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

54 Mr. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has promoted Ireland's claim to fishing rights in the Rockall region; and if he has challenged the United Kingdom's claim to fishing rights in that area.

The question of jurisdiction over Rockall and adjacent areas has been a matter of dispute with Britain for many years. Britain has claimed ownership of the rock itself since 1955 and it has declared a 12 mile territorial sea around it. Ireland has not accepted this claim.

The question of jurisdiction over the much more extensive continental shelf is a separate matter. As a result of negotiations the question of jurisdiction over the shelf was resolved and an agreement between Ireland and Britain on the delimitation of the continental shelf, including in particular large areas of the Rockall Plateau, entered into force on 11 January, 1990. Designation Orders governing large areas of the Rockall Plateau under Irish jurisdiction were subsequently made by the Government. No conflicting claim with the British in this area in relation to continental shelf jurisdiction now remains.
Claims have been made by Denmark and by Iceland to areas of the Rockall Plateau. These claims are not accepted by the Government.
Fishing rights are a separate matter again. These rights are governed by the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union and decisions on the allocation of fish resources are taken by the Council of Ministers.
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