Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

127 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the call made by an organisation (details supplied) for the introduction of legislation and other controls to ensure that companies here are not exporting so-called military, security and police technologies for use by countries with poor human rights records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28642/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt):

Legislation is already in place to control the export of military and dual use items by Irish companies. The Control of Exports Order, 2000, contains the list of military items that require a licence from my Department before they can be exported from Ireland. Exports of dual use goods, that is goods which can be used for both civil and military purposes, are controlled under Council Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports of dual-use items and technology.

The Irish export control system is implemented in a manner that fully meets Ireland's obligations arising from membership of the EU and other international export control fora. The promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of Irish foreign policy and, as such, is a significant factor that is taken into account when licence applications are being assessed. The Department of Foreign Affairs is consulted on military licence applications and on certain sensitive dual use licence applications.