Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to the Antarctic Treaty; if it is proposed that Ireland will join the 46 countries which have ratified this treaty; if ratification of the treaty will have any legislative implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10925/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The question of Ireland's possible accession to the Antarctic Treaty System is under consideration in those Government Departments which have responsibility for the areas comprehended by the Antarctic Treaties. A Government Decision of 9 June 2010 authorised the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and the other relevant Ministers to conduct preparatory work on this issue. A process of interdepartmental consultation, chaired by my Department, is continuing. This includes an assessment of the legislative implications of accession; it is apparent that these could be significant.