Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Is the Minister in a position to comment on the complete review of the 1998 European Union code of conduct on arms sales? Will he also comment on the significance of the support by 13 countries at the recent meeting at the United Nations for such a treaty? Is it of concern to him that one third of all arms deals in the world now come from the European Union? With the enlarged EU, more than 400 companies are involved in the production and sale of small arms. Is Ireland actively canvassing for the international arms sales treaty? Is he in favour of an induced requirement in terms of the production of armaments which may have dual uses?

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