Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
296 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Action From Ireland report finding that Irish universities are becoming increasingly involved in arms trade-sponsored research; if in his view Irish involvement in the arms trade is consistent with the principle of military neutrality and policy commitments to conflict prevention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11179/04]
View answerI am aware that Action From Ireland, Afri, launched a report, Death from a Distance: the Ongoing Militarisation of Ireland, on 2 April, a copy of which my Department has received. I understand, however, that the three universities referred to in the report in question have reportedly denied allegations that EU-funded research conducted by them has any links with the defence industry. I also understand that some of the technologies concerned, including those associated with the aerospace sectors, may have a dual use — that is, they can have a military as well as a civilian application. Indeed, the potential for dual use application is often a feature of these and some other high-technology sectors.
More generally, I emphasise that all exports of military goods from Ireland must conform to the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control the export of military goods. Ireland was involved in the establishment of this code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow the exportation of military goods. These factors include respect for human rights and the internal situation in the country of final destination, as well as the preservation of regional peace, security and stability. Furthermore, any export of legally controlled dual use goods must only take place in conformity with Council Regulation (EC) 1334/2000 (as amended) of 22 June 2000. Ireland's commitment to and participation in these systems underscores our position that any illegal movement and trade in armaments and military goods is totally unacceptable. I am satisfied that the manufacture of military goods and the development of technology in this country has no implications for our traditional policy of military neutrality.
With regard to conflict prevention, the Deputy will be interested to know that from 31 March to 2 April, in the context of the EU Presidency, the Government hosted an international conference in Dublin Castle on conflict prevention whose theme was the role of NGOs and civil society in the prevention of armed conflict. I draw the attention of the Deputy to my keynote address to this event, a copy of which is available on the Irish Presidency website.
