Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2004
21 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention was drawn to the recent report published by Amnesty International on the manufacture here of military and security equipment and dual use components; how she will deal with the issues raised in the report; and when the new legislation to control the export of arms and weapons components will be published. [18043/04]
View answer53 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she intends to take on foot of the Amnesty International report on the domestic arms trade here. [18122/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 53 together.
I noted the recent report by Amnesty International entitled Undermining Global Security. It examined the current policies and practices of EU member states with regard to their control of the transfer of arms, military, security and police technology, weaponry, personnel and training. The report contends that there are flaws in the EU arms control export system that allow a number of member states to transfer such equipment, technology and expertise. The organisation believes that recipients have used the items for serious human rights violations or breaches of international humanitarian law.
The report has an appendix that deals with a number of issues specifically on Ireland's export control system.
In the present international climate it is important that all countries behave responsibly when selling products that are military in nature or may have military applications. Ireland is a long-standing proponent of non-proliferation of weapons. It is keen to meet all international, legal and political commitments to control and monitor relevant exports from Ireland. The independent review of our export control system has been completed. It proposes a number of ways, both legislative and non-legislative, in which Ireland can continue to modernise and strengthen its export licensing controls while ensuring full compliance with its international obligations. I intend to bring the report to Government within the next week with a view to its publication immediately thereafter.
The recommendations of the report will be considered by all relevant Departments with a view to their implementation as a matter of priority.
