Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I have raised the point made by the Deputy on what could only be termed hypocrisy in some of the statements on the issue of overseas development assistance from major countries which at the same time trade arms with developing countries. That is why Ireland can speak with some conviction with regard to our place in the world in this respect. I concur that a disproportionate trade exists in this area compared to some of the assistance given. It is also fair to say, however, that between 2003 and 2005 the EU spent in the region of €88 million in efforts to address the issue of excessive quantities of small arms. The code of conduct is being reinforced and discussions are ongoing in that respect.

The Deputy may not be aware that there are regular instances where countries refuse licences for the export of arms into other countries because of the principles set down in the existing code.

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