Dick Spring
Ceist:107 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the production, exchange and licensing of armaments in the European Union. [27524/00]
Written Answers. - Arms Trade.
The production, exchange and licensing of armaments within the European Union at present are matters for individual member states. At the same time the question of greater harmonisation of licensing arrangements for armaments exports outside the Union is currently under discussion. We hope that these discussions will result in even more stringent controls in this area.
Ireland has no indigenous production of armaments. There is, however, some manufacture of components with military end uses as well as dual use items. In so far as the export of such goods from Ireland is concerned, Ireland exercises strict controls whether the destination be inside or outside of the European Union.
Questions Nos. 108 and 109 taken with Question No. 77.