Pringle calls on Government to address Rockall stand off
- Updated: 12th June 2019
Thomas Pringle TD – June 12th, 2019
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Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle has today called on the Government to address the ongoing impasse regarding fishing rights off Rockall.
Speaking during Topical Issues in the Dáil today Deputy Pringle said on the Dáil record that he was disappointed that neither Minister nor the Minister of State from the Departments affected were present to take the question despite the issue being of utmost concern particularly for Donegal fishermen.
Deputy Pringle said “No one has ever been aware of previous negotiations ongoing between the two countries. The fact that this issue has been raised quietly behind the scenes for a number of years without the public or those directly affected knowing such as fishermen in Donegal is unacceptable.
“Despite Government assurances that Scotland’s claims are not valid this has not reassured the fishermen affected who have made the decision not to continue fishing in those waters until there is clarity.
“It’s vitally important that we do assert our rights. This Government and former governments have been guilty of the fact that we are in the EU and have not addressed this dispute because of that fact and until it was too late in the process. This problem is coming home to roost now. We need to make sure our rights are asserted there and that fishermen continue to fish there no matter what happens” concludes Pringle.
ENDS
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