Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made in resolving the dispute in relation to Irish fishing boats accessing the waters around Rockall; the negotiations that have taken place in relation to this matter; the parties to the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26373/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the importance of addressing issues in relation to Rockall, and I continue to prioritise engagement on this matter, working with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Minister McConalogue and I, and our respective officials, are in very regular contact on this issue and are working through all options for further engagement.
Over the last number of months, I have outlined Ireland's position on Rockall in contacts with both the UK and Scottish Governments. In my engagements, I have made clear the Government's position, which is consistent, and remains as has been clearly set out by successive Governments.
Irish officials also remain in ongoing contact with the European Commission on all matters relating to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including fisheries.
I last spoke with my Scottish counterpart, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Mike Russell, on 19 March, prior to the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament, when this matter was raised. Irish and Scottish officials have been in touch in the period since that call.
Following recent elections in Scotland, this bilateral contact and broader efforts will continue in the coming weeks. I look forward to meeting with my Scottish counterpart once appointed.
Through the range of engagements set out, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.
Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall, which is a small uninhabitable granite rock located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda and some 230 nautical miles to the north-west of Donegal.
Nor has Ireland ever recognised British sovereignty claims over Rockall, and accordingly has not recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either.
