Dáil Éireann - Volume 212 - 05 November, 1964

Maritime Jurisdiction (Amendment) Bill, 1964: Committee and Final Stages.

Section 1 agreed to.

SECTION 2.

Question proposed: “That section 2 stand part of the Bill.”

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

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Mr. Corish: The Minister has said that the term “Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” has obtained for many years. I accept that, though I am concerned about it. I am not trying to catch out the Minister or make unnecessary difficulties for him, but in Annexe 1 the countries concerned are mentioned and the coasts are described. When Ireland is mentioned, does it apply to all the coasts of the 32 Counties? I want to discover what are the [450] rights of Twenty-Six Counties fishermen in respect of the Six-County coasts, and conversely.

Mr. Aiken Mr. Aiken

Mr. Aiken: The Deputy is going into a point which it is not necessary to discuss. This Bill makes no change in the agreement and in it there is reference to the coast of Ireland.

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

Mr. Corish: It says “the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” and then goes on to describe the coasts. In reference to Ireland, does it mean the coasts of the Twenty-Six Counties?

Mr. Aiken Mr. Aiken

Mr. Aiken: “Ireland” means all the coast of Ireland. There is a conflict of views on this question. We hold that the whole island of Ireland rightfully belongs to the Irish people——

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

Mr. Corish: We all hold that.

Mr. Aiken Mr. Aiken

Mr. Aiken: ——and that it should be governed by the will of the majority of the Irish people. Up to now, the British Government have taken a different view. Let us hope they will change.

Question put and agreed to.

Sections 3 to 5, inclusive, agreed to.

Title agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.

Dáil Éireann 212 Maritime Jurisdiction (Amendment) Bill, 1964: Committee and Final Stages.

General Debate

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