Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Mar 2007

Vol. 186 No. 9

Control of Exports Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages.

Bill received for final consideration.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. M. Ahern)

I thank the Senators who have taken interest in this important matter on Second and Committee Stages and for their contributions to those debates. I am satisfied that this is comprehensive legislation that will equip Ireland with the tools required to manage an efficient and effective export control system. Ireland has always been a voice on the international stage for disarmament and arms control. We recognise that our interests are best served by having a stable, secure, inclusive and co-operative environment. We will continue to work with our fellow EU member states and other countries to address the challenges to global security posed by the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their possible use. This Bill is our tangible commitment to putting in place a robust export control system that can best meet the challenges we face at a time of rapid geopolitical and technological developments.

I thank my officials for the work they put into bringing forward this excellent legislation which, I believe, will stand the test of time.

Mr. Coghlan

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for the work they have put into this important measure. It will hopefully stand the test of time and provide us with a proper, effective export control system. It will add a slightly different idea on one aspect, but we have debated that satisfactorily and I am grateful that the Minister of State has agreed to have a further look at Senator Quinn's very worthy amendment.

Mr. Quinn

I congratulate the Minister of State and the officials for their work on this Bill, which as he said, is very comprehensive. It covers all the areas, but there are two aspects I would like to mention. Ireland should set its face against exporting arms in any form. That opinion does not come from our neutrality, as we have shown in the past that we are not neutral in good and bad. It would be worthy to say that we do not wish to get involved in arms dealing in any way. In enacting a Bill, we should not do it just because we have been asked to do so by the European Union — although that is a reason — but because it is the right thing to do. That is one of the reasons I was anxious to make sure that the Bill will work.

I am delighted that the Minister of State listened intently on Second Stage and to the amendments that were proposed on Committee Stage. We will find a solution that will make it a good law and a law of which we can also be proud.

Mr. Leyden

I congratulate the Minister of State on this important Bill. We are very well served with the quality of the public service in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I had the same experience when I was there. Coupled with his responsibility over trade, the Minister of State has brought many Bills before these Houses since his appointment.

This is a well-balanced Bill. It complies with EU directives and requirements, which is very important for the Minister of State when he attends meetings of the Council of Ministers. He can say that he is implementing the required legislation. When we were trying to implement the Single European Act, we were asked how many aspects of it were implemented at a national level. The Minister of State is in a very strong position as he pushed this Bill ahead of many other member states. The majority of them have not even brought it forward in their national Legislatures.

I hope the Bill is passed in the other House as quickly as possible and that it becomes law before the end of the session.

Question put and agreed to.

Sitting suspended at 11.55 a.m. and resumed at 12.30 p.m.