Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Amendment No. 265 proposes to extend the outer limit of the foreshore to the continental shelf to enable foreshore licence applications to be made for site investigation activities beyond the foreshore. As the foreshore is vested in the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, under the State Property Act accepting this amendment would have the effect of extending Ireland's ownership to the entire maritime area. This would be in breach of international law, which only allows such territorial claims out to the 12 nautical mile limit. On foot of my explanation, I hope that the Deputy may wish to withdraw his amendment.