Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timescale and process to take place in the development of the implementation plan for the Foyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7147/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that a final draft of the Implementation Plan for the Introduction of a new Aquaculture Regulatory System in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas has been agreed by the two sponsor Departments, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the South and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland in consultation with the Loughs Agency.

Once the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill has been enacted and other required measures, such as surveys and environmental studies of Lough Foyle, have been carried out, the Agency will be in a position to implement the new aquaculture regulatory system for the Foyle Area.

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the negotiations his Department have had in the consultation of Statutory Instrument 163 of 1975; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7148/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Statutory Instrument to which the Deputy refers is a Northern Ireland Order made in 1975 that defines the sea boundary of the Derry Area.

As the Deputy is aware, the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The definition of the Foyle Area was not included in the Bill on foot of detailed discussions between officials and legal advisors, North and South. It was agreed with the Attorney General that new primary legislation would be brought forward as soon as practicable to address the definition issue.