Vol. 576 No. 5
91 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to address the serious gaps in procedures for the monitoring and control of military exports highlighted in the report of a company (details supplied), export licensing for military and dual-use goods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29934/03]
In Ireland, as in most developed countries, controls are applied to the export of military and dual-use goods. Dual-use goods are goods which have both a civilian and military end-use. These licensing systems generally reflect the need to comply with international obligations in relation to arms control, non-proliferation of weapons, and sanctions imposed on specific states. Given the increasing focus, which is being given to the necessity of strengthening 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 asked Forfas 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 Forfas to carry out the review, which is being done in two phases.
