Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2017
39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of licences for the export of military goods to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan issued by her Department in 2016; and the value of licences issued for each country. [30235/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, my Department issued one military export licence with a value of €202,000 where the United Arab Emirates was the ultimate destination and six military export licences with a value of €742,429 where Saudi Arabia was the ultimate destination. This was in respect of category ML5 Military products, which includes electronic control devices and components. No licence applications arose in respect of the other countries raised by the Deputy.
The EU has a range of sanctions in place in respect of countries engaged in conflicts. All licence applications are considered having regard to these measures. Sanctions can include arms embargoes and various restrictive measures including prohibitions on the provision of targeted goods and services. My Department observes all arms embargos and trade sanctions when considering export licence applications.
All export licence applications, whether for Dual-Use or Military Goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny. My officials seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade on any foreign policy concerns that may arise in respect of a proposed export; such factors are subject to review in the light of developments in a given region and having regard to the 2008 EU Common Position on Arms Exports. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.
My Department may refuse an export licence, following consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other EU and Non-EU export licensing authorities, as appropriate.
