Vol. 502 No. 6
84 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will support proposals expected to be made by the German Government to extend EU arms export controls to the brokering of arms deals by EU based agents in cases where the arms supplied do not originate in the EU or pass through EU territories. [8824/99]
Discussion has begun within the European Union on the question of arms brokerage and the possibility of all EU member states exercising harmonized controls on such brokering. The development of controls in this area would represent an important step in controlling arms exports, particularly to countries in areas of tension.
Controls in this area are complex, but the Government would hope that agreement can be reached in the Union without undue delay so that domestic controls can be introduced accordingly. Such controls may require primary legislation. Departments other than the Department of Foreign Affairs would also be involved in developing and enforcing these controls.
