The contentious issue of access to the Irish Box is expected to be raised by the Minister for the Marine at an EU agriculture and fisheries council meeting in Brussels tomorrow.
Mr Dermot Ahern is trying to resolve the issue through the council following the controversial decision on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy late last year.
A legal opinion prepared for the EU Council questions the right to restrict access to fishery areas beyond 12 mile limits - as is the case with the 50-mile Irish Box.
Spain is seeking to increase significantly the number of its fishing vessels allowed to fish in the Irish Box. Currently some 40 Spanish fishing vessels are allowed to work the area.