Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2018
15. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the recently published report under the Control of Exports Act 2008 covering the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017; and if a presumption of denial policy in regard to arms sales to Saudi Arabia is being considered or implemented by her Department. [42701/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU operates a robust export control framework intended to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to support regional stability and to protect human rights. My Department is responsible for implementing EU controls on the export of dual-use items and military equipment from Ireland as part of this framework. My Department is also responsible for implementing EU and UN trade sanctions.
My Department attaches great importance to fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under international law in this regard and in ensuring that Ireland implements the controls in accordance with the highest international standards. Our policy of free trade and open markets must observe the core principles of security, regional stability and human rights, which underpin export controls.
The export of military equipment is regulated by Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The list of controlled military equipment is set out in the Common Military List of the European Union.
All export licence applications, whether for dual-use or military goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and are assessed having regard to the Dual-use Regulation; the 2008 EU Common Position on Arms Exports; and EU sanctions regimes.
The EU has a range of sanctions in place in respect of countries engaged in conflicts and human rights abuses. 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. There are currently no EU sanctions in place in respect of Saudi Arabia. If an arms embargo or other sanctions are introduced in relation to Saudi Arabia, my Department will ensure that export licences are issued in compliance with that embargo or sanctions.
No licences have been issued by my Department for military classified goods in respect of Saudi Arabia since 2013. In the absence of EU sanctions, or a suitable alternative legal basis, it is not possible to implement a presumption of denial policy in respect of exports to Saudi Arabia. For this reason, all applications for an export licence to Saudi Arabia are assessed on an individual, case-by-case basis.
My officials are in regular contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on export licensing issues. They consult with that Department in respect of all military export licence applications and may refuse an export licence, as appropriate. My officials seek observations 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. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.
