Vol. 487 No. 3
85 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of military export licences issued in 1997; the number of dual use licences issued; the number issued for export to Colombia; the licensed exporter and end user in each case; and the guarantees, if any, the Government sought and obtained that the goods would not be used in the violation of human rights. [4026/98]
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment issued 633 dual use export licences and 434 military export licences during 1997. Of the 434 military licences, 363 were granted to private individuals for the purposes of exporting shotguns.
Of the total number of export licences granted during 1997, seven dual use licences were granted for the export of dual use goods to Columbia. The Department is unable to disclose the names of licensed exporters and end users as all dealings with individual applicants for export licences, which can involve the disclosure of commercially sensitive information, are conducted on the basis that confidentiality will be maintained.
When examining export licence applications, the Department takes account of several factors such as the description of the goods, end use and the end user of the goods, the reputation of the company and information made available arising from Ireland's participation in EU and other international export control regimes. On the basis of the assessments carried out, the Department was satisfied that the goods authorised for export to Columbia were not intended for use in the violation of human rights.
