evidence: The sovereignty of the rock has been the source of a long running dispute between Ireland and the UK. The UK authorities claim Rockall is part of its territory lying within its territorial seas – a claim not recognised by Ireland. Ireland has not claimed ownership of the rock and does not recognise the British claim of sovereignty on the basis that uninhabited rocks should not be claimed by any state. The British Navy annexed Rockall in 1955 – hoisting the Union flag and cementing a brass plaque on the summit. It later sought to incorporate it into part of UK law in 1972. [...] Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D reiterated the view that Ireland disputes the British claim over the rock and its seas, describing the waters around Rockall as a traditional fishing ground for Irish trawlers. He said: "What we are asserting is the fact that this is a fishing ground which our fisheries have always fished. But to be clear, it is a challenging issue, and it has become more difficult as a result of Brexit.