Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 2

Written Answers. - Military and Dual-Use Exports.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

15 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of materials exported under military licence or dual-use licence in the last year for which figures are available; if she has satisfied herself that adequate procedures are in place to ensure compliance with licensing requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12268/03]

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

My Department does not collect statistics on the value of actual exports of military and dual-use goods.

However, in 2002, 73 military licences valued at €34.42 million were issued by my Department. During the same period, 696 individual and 36 global export licences for dual-use goods with a value of an estimated €4.2 billion were granted. It should be noted, particularly with regard to the dual-use licences, that the value of goods covered by an export licence can often just reflect the estimated exports of controlled goods by the exporters over the period of the licence's validity and represents the maximum value of controlled goods that may be exported. In a number of cases, companies do not subsequently export items to the full value of the licence.

Given the increasing focus which is being given to the necessity to strengthen strategic export control rules, it is important to ensure that Ireland's export controls are up to the best international standards. In this context, my Department has asked Forfás to undertake a review of our strategic controls systems with a view to recommending how best we can modernise and strengthen them and ensure full compliance with Ireland's international obligations. Economic consultants have been commissioned by Forfás to carry out the review.

The review will be undertaken in two phases. Phase I of the exercise, which is nearing completion, has involved the consultants interviewing the main parties who have a role or interest in the area of export controls.