Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the decision to vote in favour of the fishing deal between the EU and Morocco, despite the implications this may have on the conflict between western Sahara and Morocco and the fact that this State supports the right of self-determination for western Sahara. [20937/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Negotiations on this proposal concluded at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 22 May 2006 and Ireland voted for the proposal. Under the terms of the Regulation, Ireland was allocated 2,500 tonnes of pelagic fish per annum. Ireland has been a firm supporter of the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara, and the Government remains firmly committed to this principle. Ireland made a declaration at the Council setting down its position on the Fisheries agreement as follows: Ireland supports the conclusion of the Fisheries partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco on the basis that it does not prejudice the longstanding position of the EU on the status of the Western Sahara. The EU continues to support the efforts of the UN Secretary General to encourage a negotiated solution which will allow the people of the Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination.

Ireland emphasises the importance of the future dialogue within the EU-Morocco Joint Committee foreseen under this agreement. It is essential that the Joint Committee make use of all instruments under the Agreement to ensure that the Agreement is implemented to the benefit of all the people concerned and in accordance with the principles of international law.