I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 95 together.
The independent review of our export control system was published in July 2004. The review proposes a number of areas, both legislative and non-legislative in which the Irish export licensing system can be modernised and strengthened.
Consideration and implementation of the report's recommendations is being addressed within the framework of an inter-agency group, chaired by Forfás, involving the Departments of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Defence, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, together with the Revenue Commissioners. The group has met on two occasions to date. Work on implementation on the range of recommendations has commenced and will be progressed over the coming months. I understand that the group plan to consult parties with an interest in the area of export controls to hear their views on the implementation of the report's recommendations.
My Department is examining the issues involved in the introduction of a web-based export licence application facility as recommended by the report. I would not expect that such a facility would require a legislative basis. The question of whether it is necessary to make provision for an annual report, to include aggregate values of military licences, in legislation will be considered in the context of the proposed up-dating of export control legislation for military goods and services.