The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment operates a rigorous and robust licence application process for the export of dual-use goods, which centres on a careful assessment of the proposed end user and end use. Under the Control of Exports Act 2023, which covers military and dual-use goods, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment may consult with any other Minister of the Government as he or she considers appropriate, including when considering applications for the authorisation of exports of dual-use items listed in annex I to the dual-use regulation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs does not advise the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to the licence application outcome. However, my Department provides observations at the request of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These observations are made with reference to the eight assessment criteria established in the Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, which include, "Respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law”, and, "Internal situation in the country of final destination, as a function of the existence of tensions or armed conflicts."
I assure the Deputy that my Department raises relevant human rights considerations in respect of all export licence applications received from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, including those concerning dual-use exports to Israel. The Department keeps its observations on end-use countries under ongoing review.
As I have made clear, the continuing violence in the Middle East is of grave concern. Ireland has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal and a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Lebanon.
My Department is closely following the situation in the region and always takes relevant developments into account when providing observations on export licences to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.