Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of allegations made by Amnesty International about aspects of arms exports from Ireland. I have discussed the situation with the organisation. The Government is committed to ensuring Ireland's export controls are as strong as possible. For that reason, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment commissioned an independent report into the export control system. Following on from the consultant's report, published in July 2004, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment plans to introduce new legislation to strengthen the export controls system further.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh's earlier assertion is false. No embargo was in place against Indonesia at the time the goods transited through Ireland. In this case, the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs were sought in accordance with standard procedures. Our advice to the Department of Transport was based on all relevant foreign policy considerations, including the fact that Indonesia has made significant strides towards democracy. It has also been the victim of several grievous terrorist attacks such as those in Bali. Deputy Ó Snodaigh may not remember that fact.

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