Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Rockall is an important fishery. Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall but we have never recognised British sovereignty over the island either. Accordingly, we have never recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either. That remains the position of the Government. At every opportunity, the Government is engaging with regard to access within the 12 nautical mile limit. A relatively small number of boats are impacted by this but it is a really important fishery for them. I know it is important to boats in Cork and Greencastle in Donegal as well as other ports. Last year, in recognition of that economic loss, I provided additional flexibility under the tie-up scheme to recognise the fact that this good fishery was not open for them.

Last year, in recognition of the impact of the economic loss to them, I provided additional flexibility under the tie-up scheme to recognise the fact the squid fishery was not open to them. We continue to pursue the matter.