Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
207 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the most recent letter from Amnesty International regarding weapons brokering to Sudan, his views on the matter, and when legislation on brokering in Ireland is to be put forward. [23741/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received two separate letters from Amnesty International in relation to a recent newspaper report linking an Irish-registered company to alleged illegal brokering activities involving the transfer of military equipment to the Sudan.
The newspaper article alleged that a British businessman was involved in illegal brokering activities relating to the sale of arms to Sudan, in breach of EU and UK laws. I understand that the UK Customs are currently carrying out an investigation into the allegations. The article also suggested that an Irish registered company, owned by the British businessman, was involved in the financing of the deal.
My Department has investigated the allegation in relation to the role of the Irish registered company. In this regard, it has been established that: the Irish company is dormant and has never traded since its establishment in 1990; the newspaper article was inaccurate in relation to the British businessman being the owner of the company; and the beneficial owner of the company has confirmed that the British businessman has no relationship with the Irish company.
On the basis of the investigation, there is no evidence of any involvement in illegal brokering activities by an Irish company. The updating of our national export control legislation, to include, inter alia, controls on arms brokering, is one of the recommendations of the recent Forfás review. I hope to bring proposals regarding this legislation to Government shortly.
