Restrictive measures, also referred to as sanctions, are legally binding measures that can be taken against individuals, entities or countries. UN and EU Member States are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of UN and EU?sanctions respectively, as well as for identifying breaches and imposing penalties. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is one of three National Competent Authorities responsible for sanctions, the others being the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Central Bank of Ireland. My Department has responsibility for trade related sanctions.
Any violation of sanctions regulations constitutes an offence and is subject to prosecution. Therefore, where there is an allegation that a criminal offence may have been committed, the matter will be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
The Department of Defence referred the activities in Libya to this Department. Having examined the allegations, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.
