Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2016
30. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will place restrictions on the export of military or dual-use items to Saudi Arabia, or if he will introduce policies to refuse such licences for export to countries engaged in conflicts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/16]
View answerMy 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 and dual-use products to Saudi Arabia, as with all other destinations, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. My Department has safeguards built into the licensing system which enable robust checks and cross-checks to ensure, as far as possible, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end –user for the stated end-use, and will not be used for illicit purposes.
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 subject to the full export licensing scrutiny process.
All licence applications are considered in the light of the spirit and objectives of the 2008 EU Common Position on Arms Exports.
My officials are in regular contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on export licensing issues. They consult with that Department in respect of all military export licence applications and all dual-use export licence applications involving Saudi Arabia. My officials seek observations on any foreign policy concerns that may arise in respect of a proposed export; 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 countries engaged in conflicts. 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 Saudi Arabia.
