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. [...] "It regularly monitors the seas around Rockall. Throughout our discussions with Irish colleagues, we have been consistently clear on the sovereignty of Rockall and the extent of the rights of non-UK vessels to fish in waters at Rockall."