Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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905. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the legal action of the Argentinian State against unlawful hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities on the Argentinian Continental Shelf; if he will support Argentina on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22009/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the matter referred to by the Deputy and officials of my Department have been briefed in detail by the Embassy of Argentina, at their initiative, on their country’s position. I am aware also of concerns at Argentina’s actions that have been raised in the context of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 April this year, and in other EU fora, including the Trade Policy Committee.

The steps recently taken by Argentina impact on a number of EU countries, with wider potential implications also, and are being kept under review by the European Commission.

The House is aware of the context in which these developments arise. I would encourage the governments of the countries concerned, with which Ireland has excellent bilateral relations in each case, to avoid any steps that might exacerbate the dispute between them and to pursue a solution to their differences based on the relevant UN resolutions.