Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent developments with respect to Ireland's participation in the Antarctic Treaty 1959; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3796/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Antarctic Treaty opened for signature on 1 December, 1959 in Washington DC and came into force in 1961. The stated aim of the Treaty 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 analogous 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 carefully noted the UN General Assembly Resolutions of 2002 and 2005 which affirmed that the management and use of the Antarctica should be conducted in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in the interest of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international co-operation for the benefit of mankind as a whole. The Resolutions also 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.

As I indicated in my reply to PQ No. 226 of 21 November 2007, it has been decided in all the circumstances to re-examine the issue. Officials in my Department have since then begun a study of the detailed issues involved in accession and will shortly be in a position to initiate broader interdepartmental consultation.