Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide, in tabular form for each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, the number of arms export licences granted; the value of licensed arms exports; a breakdown of the type of arms exported; the destinations of those exports from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for administering controls on the export of Military equipment from Ireland, in accordance with the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The list of Military equipment subject to these controls is set out in the Common Military List of the European Union.
All applications for export authorisations in respect of Military equipment are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials, on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position.
The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country.
My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with the proposed export.
Ireland does not have an arms industry and is not therefore, an exporter of weapons. Export authorisations are granted in respect of exports of personal firearms for hunting, sporting and recreational activities; explosives for civil engineering; aircraft and related equipment and components; ground vehicles and components; electronic control systems and software.
The table below sets out the number and value of exports, and their destinations.
|
Year |
Export |
Number of Licences issued |
Value € |
Destination |
|
2019 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systemsComponents for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
101 |
42,321,952 |
AustraliaCanadaCroatiaFinlandFranceGermanyItalyKosovoNew ZealandNorwaySingapore South KoreaSwedenSwitzerlandTurkeyUnited KingdomUnited States |
|
2020 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
13 |
108,469,431 |
AustraliaCanadaCzech RepublicFrance GeorgiaGermany IndiaItalyKosovo Malaysia NetherlandsNorway Poland Qatar Singapore South KoreaSpainSweden SwitzerlandTurkey United Kingdom United States |
|
2021 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftAircraftElectronic EquipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
142 |
166,934,215 |
Australia Egypt FranceGermanyItalyNetherlandsNorway OmanPolandSingapore South KoreaSpainSweden Switzerland United KingdomUnited States |
|
2022 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
135 |
125,958,821 |
AustraliaCanadaFranceGermanyMalaysiaNetherlandsNew ZealandPolandSingaporeSouth KoreaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited KingdomUnited States |
|
2023 to date |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentComponents for imaging equipment |
71 |
119,034,570 |
AustraliaFranceGermanyIndiaMalaysiaOmanPolandSouth KoreaSpainSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited States |
