Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s continued support for the United Nations 1967 Outer Space Treaty and Ireland’s opposition to proposed amendments by Russia to that Treaty in November/December, 2024; the position of Ireland on the development of space law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46785/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is fully committed to preserving outer space as a safe and secure global commons for the use and benefit of all, and to the prevention of an arms race in outer space. We continue to support the Outer Space Treaty, oppose the placement of weapons in outer space, and actively participate in the multilateral process to prevent an arms race in outer space.

At the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution, led by the United States, Japan and Argentina, reaffirming the Outer Space Treaty and opposing the development and deployment of a nuclear weapon or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit. This resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly, adds to the existing body of rules, norms and principles that can reduce space threats.

Ireland opposed the Russian Federation’s amendments – rejected by UN members - to this resolution. The amendments served to confuse the singular positive contribution of the resolution – a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons specifically designed for placement in outer space – including by incorporating language from Russia’s non-consensual approach to developing space law, which has not demonstrated a practicable basis for implementation. Following Russia’s actions earlier in 2024 vetoing a UN Security Council Resolution on the non-placement of nuclear weapons in outer space, the good faith intent of these amendments was always in question and could not be demonstrated.

Ireland will continue to advocate for global norms and rules governing human activity in space, in accordance with international space law through an inclusive process. Ireland awaits the publication of the proposed EU Space Law by the European Commission, which is expected this year. This initiative is designed to provide a common framework for security, safety, and sustainability in space, that would ensure a consistent and EU-wide approach.