Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
47. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland is working with the EU partners to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat the circumvention of sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/24]
View answerIreland has strongly supported EU sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. These targeted sanctions are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Trade restrictions on export of sensitive goods from the EU to Russia have been put in place to target specific areas, including Russia’s military, financial, energy, technology and transport sectors. These sanctions are having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to access battlefield goods and technology and pursue its war objectives.
Analysis of trade flows to third countries of goods and technologies of particular importance for Russia's military and industrial complex is ongoing across the EU to inform discussions on preventing circumvention of EU sanctions. Ireland regularly participates in a range of expert group discussions to co-ordinate and share information on the implementation of the Russia sanctions and combatting circumvention including in relation to outreach to economic operators. Ireland also continues to support the work of the EU Special Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan, who has travelled to a number of third countries to engage with them on sanctions circumvention and stopping battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia.
Recent packages of EU sanctions measures have included further actions to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat circumvention. They have included listings of additional companies in third countries which are subject to tighter export controls for dual use goods and technology. Further export controls on dual use and advanced technology goods have been added. A new ‘No Russia’ clause introduced in the 12th package requires exporters to contractually prohibit the re-export to Russia of particularly sensitive goods and technology. The 13th package, agreed to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, included measures targeting the sale and supply of drone components to Russia.
Ireland will continue to support the use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat circumvention.
