International Agreements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Ceisteanna (821)

David Stanton

Ceist:

821. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 1 December 2022, if an inter-departmental group has been formed to evaluate Ireland's possible participation in the Antarctic Treaty System; if so, the number of meetings that the group has held since its formation; the dates of these meetings; if the group has presented its report to him; if so, the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1437/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I refer to the reply to Dáil Question no. PQ 79 of 1 December 2022.  It remains my intention to form an inter-departmental group to determine what level of participation is appropriate for Ireland as a developed Northern European State and to identify the structures and associated resource requirements for this participation.

The  current priority in relation to the Marine Environment is to publish and seek the passage the Marine Protected Areas Bill at the earliest opportunity.  Once this legislation is sufficiently advanced we will be able to  commence work in on the Antarctic Treaty System.