Joe Higgins
Ceist:141 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason her Department grants licences to companies who make components for weapons that are used in Colombia. [12221/98]
Written Answers. - Component Exports.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:142 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to where the military components for weapons go having been exported from Ireland; and the processes they are used in before appearing as fully finished armaments. [12222/98]
Joe Higgins
Ceist:143 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a list of the specific companies in receipt of dual purpose export licences; the products in respect of which the licenses are issued; and which of these products are being supplied to Colombia. [12223/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 142 and 143 together.
There is no requirement for companies to seek a licence from my Department to manufacture components.
My Department's policy and procedures in relation to the export of military and dual-use goods are publicly available via:
—"Export Controls Made Easy" booklet, published by my Department;
— my Department's freedom of information guide;
— the export licensing unit's website (http://www. irlgov. ie/entemp/export). The website includes statistics on licences issued and answers to frequently asked questions relating to policy issues;
— replies to previous parliamentary questions, in particular No. 85 of 17 February 1998, No. 26 of 10 April 1997, No. 48 of 5 March 1997, No. 37 of 30 January 1997, No. 55 of 17 October 1996 and No. 55 of 21 May 1996; and
— the adjournment debate concerning the granting of military licences of 3 December 1996.
In relation to exports to Colombia, one military licence covering the export of spare parts for the repair of an aircraft arrester barrier system was issued in 1996. No licence has issued in respect of military goods since then.
In relation to dual-use goods, Colombia was included on two global licences issued in 1996 covering software. In 1997 one licence covering chemicals for medical purposes issued and one covering telecommunications equipment issued in 1998. In addition, Colombia was included in nine global licences issued between 1997 and 1998 covering software, networking equipment, vibration and testing equipment, intergrated circuits, electrical converters and lithographic equipment.
My Department is unable to disclose the names of licensed exporters as all dealings with individual applicants for export licences, which can involve the disclosure of commercially sensitive information, are conducted on the basis that confidentiality will be maintained.