Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

The Rockall dispute in particular is of significant importance for the country because potential lucrative and valuable oil and gas reserves may well be available for exploration in the future. What is being done at Government level to fight for and make the case for Ireland at UN level in this regard? It is reasonably widely accepted that the Irish case is stronger than that of Iceland or Denmark. It is, therefore, essential that we put forward a strong challenge. The talks, which had been ongoing since 2001, have now broken down. This presents an opportunity to have the situation resolved once and for all within the United Nations. Will the Minister inform the House what he and the Government have been doing to ensure we see a successful outcome for Ireland?

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