Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in fisheries with regard to access to the Irish Box; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16196/03]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.
The position with regard to access to the Irish Box remains the same, as I have previously advised the House. This is in accordance with the consistent position of the Government that the relevant Regulations 685/95 and 2027/95 governing the Irish Box continue in place and have full legal effect. Accordingly, the Irish authorities are continuing to monitor activity within the Irish Box closely. To date, the level of activity by Spanish vessels in the Irish Box has remained below the 40 vessels at any one time threshold in the regulations.