Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
49. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider a ban on the issue of military and dual-use licences for export to Saudi Arabia, in view of the European Parliament resolution of 25 February 2016 on the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the recent ban on military and dual-use items imposed by the Netherlands. [22549/16]
View answerAll export licence applications are considered by my Department having regard to EU sanctions. There are currently no sanctions in place in relation to Saudi Arabia.
The European Parliament resolution cited by the Deputy called for “an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo against Saudi Arabia”. No arms embargo has been announced or introduced. If an EU embargo is introduced in relation to Saudi Arabia, my Department will ensure that export licences are issued in compliance with that embargo.
I understand that there is not a national ban on the export of dual-use and military items from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year the Dutch Parliament passed a motion that the government strictly apply the terms of the EU Common Position on the assessment of military export licences when considering export licence applications involving Saudi Arabia. They called on the government to deny any licences involving Saudi Arabia where there is a risk that military and dual-use goods can be used for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
All proposed exports of military list and dual-use products to Saudi Arabia, as with all other destinations, are reviewed by my officials on a case-by-case basis with regards to the EU Common Position on the assessment of military export licences. In addition, applications involving Saudi Arabia are examined by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade having regard to any foreign policy concerns that may arise.
