I wish to announce, for the information of the House, that I signed an agreement yesterday which delimits the continental shelf between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Ireland and Britain are situated on a common continental shelf which had been the subject of overlapping claims by both parties. The line of delimitation, which was agreed by negotiation, is based on the applicable international law. The negotiations have produced an equitable solution to the division of the continental shelf between the two countries in the Irish Sea, south and south-west areas, as well as in the north-west area off the Donegal coast.
The agreement will remove the need to submit the matter to independent arbitration.
Copies of the agreement have been placed in the Library. I propose next week that a formal motion approving the agreement be taken by Dáil Éireann. I understand the Government Chief Whip will discuss with the Whips of other parties the details of how this matter will be debated next week.