Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Chamber. The motion is a detailed one. The last couple of lines urge the Government to commit to taking all necessary steps to accede to the Antarctic Treaty as soon as possible.

The ongoing pandemic has reminded us of the primacy of science in providing solutions to potentially overwhelming problems. Science, be it identifying and analysing the facts or conceiving novel solutions, rises above opinion and behaviours to develop a meaningful way forward. The International Geophysical Year 1957-1958 was a significant event that saw the application of postwar technology, such as radar, rockets and computers to assisting in the understanding of complex workings of Earth systems. One of the most important locations for pursuing the objectives of the International Geophysical Year, IGY, was Antarctica. The scientists involved saw the need to share research and findings to prevent this unique and pristine continent's involvement in the Cold War, to ensure it was not used for strategic or weapons-testing purposes and to negate future territorial claims. Out of these noble ambitions grew the Antarctic Treaty of 1959.

It is a short treaty. I will mention a few of its articles that frame its philosophy. Article I states, "Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only". Article II states, "Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end ... shall continue". Article III(c) states "scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available". The treaty promotes Antarctica for the betterment of humankind through its use for scientific research and co-operation in preserving and conserving living resources in Antarctica. We have a situation on that continent where countries that might otherwise be adversaries co-operate. They share knowledge, science, research and information and they make all parts of the continent fully accessible. Since its inception, spanning the Cold War and other superpower hostilities, it has proven itself to be robust and effective, thus ensuring Antarctica remains an uncontaminated theatre for leading-edge environmental and geophysical research.

Antarctica is the newest continent. Its first human footprint is as recent as 1895. We only now learning the crucial role it plays in mediating our global environment. A simple statistic that makes it very clear how important it is that 70% of the world’s freshwater is held in the form of ice in Antarctica. Countries comprising 80% of the world’s population have already signed up to this treaty or adherence to it.

As with many other regions across the globe, our diaspora has ensured Irish connections with Antarctica are very strong. The first confirmed sighting on the Antarctic island was by an Irishman, Edward Bransfield of Ballinacurra, County Cork. The heroic era of polar exploration at the beginning of the 20th century saw characters such as Ferrar, the McCarthy brothers, Crean, Forde and Keohane participate in various expeditions. The colossus among them was Kildare’s Ernest Shackleton, who pioneered the route to the South Pole and for whom Antarctica became a theatre for his instinctive, inspirational leadership and supreme courage in the face of such difficult adversity. Shackleton very much considered himself Irish and so did his contemporaries and one, Professor Edgeworth David, summed him up by saying: "[he is] from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, an Irishman ... He has all the best characteristics of the Irish race". Shackleton stated his interest in the furtherance of knowledge and in doing so laid the groundwork for the continued involvement of Irish scientists in scientific research in Antarctica, and Ireland has a very proud tradition in science.

By acceding to the international Antarctic Treaty, Ireland will establish a right to participate in scientific research and share findings of other members’ work, it will have a voice in the future of Antarctica and have an opportunity to partner with others and devise policies and procedures that have a profound impact on the welfare of our globe. In joining this treaty, as is proposed in this motion submitted by the Green Party-An Comhaontas Glas under Private Members' business, Ireland will become part of an agreement which already comprises countries representing 80% of the world’s population.

Shackleton, born in Kilkea, County Kildare in 1874, led four expeditions to the Antarctic and died on the final one. All his expeditions had exploration, scientific and climate objectives. Shackleton has become a hallmark for his leadership methods His decision-making and genuine interest in his crew, irrespective of where they came from or their class, are now regarded as key elements of effective management and leadership. In 1903 Captain Scott sent him back from the Antarctic as unfit for work in cold climates but undeterred, he organised his own expedition that in 1909 came within 100 miles of the South Pole. Short of supplies, he prioritised his and his team’s welfare. Not preoccupied with overachieving he put their safety first and turned back, explaining to his wife Emily he would prefer to be a live donkey than a dead lion. His final expedition saw him die of a heart attack at the Antarctic island of South Georgia where, at his wife’s direction, he remains buried so his heart can lie in the Antarctic he so loved. Shackleton was and is internationally very highly regarded. New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, is on record is regarding him as an important inspiration in her role. The famous Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, declared Shackleton’s name would be written in letters of fire on the Antarctic.

The Shackleton Museum, Athy, is a leading institution. We are so proud to have this museum in County Kildare. It is dedicated to preserving, promoting and making relevant Ireland’s legacy in global exploration and, in particular, that of Ernest Shackleton. I put on record the current committee members of this voluntary organisation, which is a beacon of tourism in Kildare.Committee members include Senator Mark Wall, Councillor Aoife Breslin, Councillor Ivan Keatley, Councillor Brian Dooley, Annette Aspell, Bridget Loughlin, Kevin Kenny, Seamus Taaffe, Joe O'Farrell, Clem Roche, Marc Guernon, Ger Kelly and many other great friends, including renowned artist, Vincent Sheridan, who joined us for the press conference earlier today to express his delight that this motion has now reached the Upper House of the Oireachtas.

I must make a special mention of Naas councillor, Colm Kenny, who was pivotal in getting us to where we are today, and the Kildare Green Party members, including Sean English who was in the Antarctic, and many others. I recently attended a conference organised by Into Kildare in the beautiful Kilkee Castle. Its chairperson, David Mongey, singled out our obvious strengths in Kildare. We are internationally renowned for horse racing but he mentioned two other potential growth areas. St. Brigid is one of the patron saints of Ireland, and if her feast day became a bank holiday we could see spring schools.