Antarctic Treaty accession
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl urges the Government to sign the Antarctic Treaty and raise the matter with Cabinet. The Tánaiste undertakes to make inquiries and report back.
What is the Government's position on the Antarctic treaty? I do not expect the Tánaiste to have the details of the matter immediately available to her, but I have raised this matter in the House frequently. As an international treaty, its number of signatories continues to increase and includes the majority of our European partners. Ireland is remiss in not having signed up to it. Will the Tánaiste bring the matter to the Cabinet's attention and revert to the House at an early stage to indicate whether the Government will do something about this matter? The Government is remiss in its environmental responsibilities.
