The EU operates a system of Export Controls for “Dual-use” goods that form part of a multilateral framework designed to support global security and to protect human rights. In particular, the framework aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to support regional stability.
The Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to the promotion of Human Rights through business practices and in particular, to rigorously scrutinise all applications for export licences for Dual-use items. To this end, my Department operates the highest standards of Export Controls, in accordance with EU law and international best practice.
All applications for export licences for Dual-use items are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials, on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with Council Regulation 428/2009 of 5 May 2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items.
Applications are also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in effect in respect of the destination country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for Ireland’s international relations and global human rights. In this context, my officials seek the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs on all applications for Dual-use export licences.
“Dual-use” items are goods and technology, including software, which can be used for both civilian and military applications. The definitive list of Dual-use goods is set out in Annex 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009. This list is updated annually by the European Commission to take account of the on-going work of the multilateral, non-proliferation regimes.
Category Five of this list, “telecommunications and information security”, encompasses a broad range of mainstream, business IT goods, both hardware and software, including servers, data storage, networking and security (firewalls, anti-virus etc). Therefore, exports of these items do not form part of the Arms Trade. These items are classified as “Dual-use” by virtue of the fact that they incorporate strong encryption for data protection purposes.
The number of export licences in Category Five, “telecommunications and information security”, issued in respect of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2016 and 2019 are presented in tabular format below. A key consideration when granting export licences is the preservation of regional peace, security and stability and in view of this consideration, my officials are satisfied that the granting of these licences did not contribute to the on-going conflict in Yemen.
There were no EU sanctions in place in respect of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates in 2016, 2019, nor are there currently.
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Countries
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2016
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2019
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Bahrain
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3
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5
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Saudi Arabia
|
18
|
29
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United Arab Emirates
|
35
|
32
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