I thank the Taoiseach.

In the mid-1960s an agreement between the then Taoiseach, Seán Lemass, and Terence O'Neill allowed fishermen from the Six Counties to fish in the territorial waters of the Twenty-six counties and vice versa. This was challenged and brought before the Supreme Court prior to Christmas. As a consequence the judgment stated that no legislation was brought forward to legalise it. I understand this legislation is being prepared. When can we have it before the House?

The legislation was cleared this morning on the recommendation of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed. The Government gave approval for the text of the sea fisheries (amendment) Bill which will put the arrangement that has been in place for decades on a legal footing in domestic law arising from the Supreme Court's decision last year.