Mandatory United Nations trade sanctions are currently in operation against Iraq, Libya, Serbia-Montenegro and South Africa. In accordance with its international obligations, Ireland, along with our European Community partners, has taken steps to give effect to these sanctions.
There is a total trade embargo in effect against Iraq with the exception of medical goods, foodstuffs and certain goods for essential civilian use. There is also a trade embargo against Serbia-Montenegro which affects all sectors other than medicine and food. In the case of South Africa, UN sanctions remain in force in relation to the supply of military goods and services. In addition, there is a complete embargo on the supply of arms to Somalia and Liberia.
United Nations Resolutions No. 748 of March 1992 prohibits the export to Libya of arms and aviation equipment and services including the provision of engineering and maintenance servicing of Libyan civilian aircraft.
At no stage did my Department have any discussions with, or contacts from, TEAM Aer Lingus concerning the negotiation of a possible contract to service Libyan aircraft. The question of intervening to prevent such a contract simply never arose, therefore. In this regard I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the statement issued by TEAM Aer Lingus on 15 February which pointed out that any suggestion that the company was being so prevented was inaccurate and "utter nonsense".