My Department is responsible for controls on the export of military items from Ireland. Under Irish law, military export licences must be sought in respect of the export from Ireland of military goods and technology, and any components thereof, listed in the EU Common Military List.
My Department is also responsible for licensing the export of dual-use items outside the EU pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No. 428/2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items. While the term “dual-use” refers to those items that are normally used for civilian or commercial purposes but may also have a military application, the vast majority of dual-use licences issued by my Department are for commercial purposes.
Proposed exports of Military List and Dual-Use products to Israel and Saudi Arabia, as with all other destinations, are reviewed by my officials on a case-by-case basis. Each proposed export is considered against the EU Common Position on Arms Exports. Individual licences are valid for the export of a specific quantity of goods to a specific end-user within a twelve month period. A new application must be made for any exports above that provided for on the original export licence. All new and repeat licence applications are therefore subject to the full export licensing scrutiny process.
All licence applications involving Saudi Arabia and Israel are also examined on a case-by-case basis by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade having regard to any foreign policy concerns that may arise; such factors are subject to review in the light of developments in a given region. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.
The EU has a range of sanctions in place in respect of a number of countries. All licence applications are considered having regard to these measures. Sanctions can include arms embargoes and various restrictive measures including prohibitions on the provision of targeted goods and services. There are currently no such sanctions in place in respect of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
My Department may refuse an export licence, following consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other EU and international export licensing authorities as appropriate.
