Martin Heydon
Question:81. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered the ratification of the Antarctic Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3043/17]
View answerWednesday, 25 January 2017
Questions (81)
Written answers
The question of Ireland’s ratification of the Antarctic Treaty and related agreements comprising the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) has been examined in some detail by the Government and Offices concerned.
While the objectives and achievements of the ATS are of considerable importance and the commitment of the signatories is commendable, the direct benefits to Ireland of ratification would be relatively minor. Preparation for ratification by Ireland would impose substantial administrative burdens on several Government Departments, which could not be supported at the present time. In the case of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this would include the co-ordination of the national approach to accession negotiations via the Inter-Departmental Group on the Antarctic Treaty, the preparation and submission of the relevant Memorandum to Government and the domestic legislation necessary for ratification. Subsequent to ratification, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would have responsibility for coordinating the servicing of any meetings of States Parties or related events and conferences.
Government Departments, including my own, must concentrate available resources on core business and areas of priority national interest. At this time, they are not in a position to assume the administrative burden associated with the ATS ratification and ensuing treaty obligations.