Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Minister stated the first sector is agreed and Ireland will have jurisdiction over it. Will the Minister confirm it is an area of 270,000 square kilometres? Does the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources lead on this issue? As this concerns a vast area, has the Minister considered the implications for the country with respect to the necessary expansion of the Naval Service or a Department? Is the Minister aware of indications of mineral resources in this area and how does he envisage the area will be policed or operated? Does the Government intend to establish a specific group to implement policy in this area? The public does not know about this issue. The Minister mentioned Rockall Island in his reply. It is an old chestnut but I would like to know what is the situation with regard to the claim on Rockall.

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