Continental Shelf Act, 1968.- LONG TITLE An Act to make provision in relation to the exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf and to provide for matters connected with the matters aforesaid. [11th June, 1968.] BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS: Definitions. 1.—In this Act— "designated area" means an area standing designated for the time being by order under section 2 of this Act. "the Minister" means the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Exploration and exploitation of continental shelf. 2.—(1) Any rights of the State outside territorial waters over the sea bed and subsoil for the purpose of exploring such sea bed and subsoil and exploiting their natural resources are, subject to subsection (2) of this section, hereby vested in the Minister and shall be exercisable by the Minister. (2) Whenever the Government so think fit and so direct, any rights referred to in subsection (1) of this section and specified in the direction shall be ve...