Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2012
128 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the fact that two Irish based companies (details supplied) have provided technology to the Syrian Government that has enabled them to block text messages from protestors and impede the democratic right of the Syrian people to protest against the regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10246/12]
View answer134 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that the use of technology provided by two Irish companies (details supplied) to the Syrian regime to allow them to block messaging by protestors in the country is the type of enterprise that he should support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 134 together.
My Department is responsible for issuing licenses for exports outside the EU of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licenses have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
From preliminary contact with the exporters concerned I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly. My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency. However, my investigation into the matter has just commenced and I will be pursuing it further with the companies concerned to establish whether any restricted or sanctioned technology is involved.
More generally, I would like to point out that prior to issuing any export license for goods intended for a country where there is civil or military strife, I consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an essential part of considering any application for an export licence and it involves a detailed a consideration of any human rights implications connected with a possible export.
At EU level, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed on 1 December and 23 January additional measures which I entirely support related to the energy, financial, banking and trade sectors, as well as the listing of additional individuals and entities involved in the violence or supporting the regime. This comes on top of extensive existing EU sanctions, including a ban on oil imports from Syria.
