Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Territorial Waters.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

62 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if there have been formal requests by other countries both within and outside the EU for the extension of the 200 mile economic zone to 350 miles; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are moves afoot to promote such an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20761/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

As I advised the Deputy in my response to his Question No. 17 of 14 June 2001, a change to a limit of 350 nautical miles for exclusive economic zone purposes would involve an amendment of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This matter has not been discussed in the UN fora concerning the convention.