Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 18 deals with the rights and jurisdiction of the State in designated areas of the continental shelf. Both of these amendments would add to the sovereign rights of the State in its jurisdiction, going beyond what is recognised in the convention. As we have commented so many times on the various amendments, the key issue around them is transposing the convention. The Senator is also looking at other areas beyond that. As the purpose of the Bill is to give effect to the convention, it is not appropriate to amend it as proposed and, accordingly, I cannot accept the amendments.