Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Ireland and the Antarctic Treaty. [30237/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a proud history in the field of polar exploration, particularly in the Antarctic, and I am glad that, in recent years, due recognition has begun to be given in this country to important Irish explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean. The Shackleton Autumn School is a valuable forum in this regard.

Issues concerning the Antarctic Treaty have been addressed most recently by the Government in a Seanad Adjournment Debate of 27 September, 2007 and in a PQ reply of 23 October, 2007.

The stated aim of the Antarctic Treaty, which opened for signature on 1 December, 1959 and came into force in 1961, is to ensure "in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord."

While the Treaty has been in operation since 1961, only 46, or fewer than one quarter of UN Member States, are States Parties. Many of those who have chosen not to accede have argued that the Antarctic should be declared part of the common heritage of mankind and thus be treated in a manner comparable to Outer Space or the International Sea Bed Area and therefore beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. Some have called for a UN agreement to which all Member States would subscribe as the best means to ensure full accountability for actions undertaken in, affecting and concerning Antarctica.

While Ireland has traditionally been sympathetic to this view, we are aware of the immense difficulties which would arise in seeking to negotiate a new Treaty. We have also noted that UN General Assembly Resolutions of 2002 and 2005 welcomed the practice whereby the Antarctic Treaty consultative parties regularly provide the UN Secretary General with information on their consultative meetings and their activities in Antarctica.

In all the circumstances, it has been decided to re-examine the question of accession. Officials in my Department, therefore, are currently studying the issues involved in accession, with a view to initiating broader interdepartmental consultation on the question.