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Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 16 July 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 July 2018 (named day). It was answered by Alan Duncan (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 July 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle: Agriculture

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether a management agreement with the Republic of Ireland on agriculture activities in relation to (a) Lough Foyle and (b) Carlingford Lough will be in place when the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The Government's position on Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough has not changed. The regulation of activities in Lough Foyle is the responsibility of the Loughs Agency, a cross-border body established under the Belfast Agreement of 1998. We remain fully committed to these arrangements and continue to work closely with the Irish Government over improvements to the management of the Loughs. British and Irish officials last met in October 2017 when a number of issues were discussed including the Loughs, and the management of aquaculture in them, and they have been in regular contact since.

Like the Irish Government, we do not anticipate these issues forming part of the negotiations over the UK's exit from the European Union. Indeed, we have both publically stated on numerous occasions that the issue of the management of the Loughs is distinct from, and will not form part of, any Brexit negotiation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
164300
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Agriculture Brexit Lough Foyle Carlingford Lough
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk