Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I see from the Order of Business that the Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006 has been published, as have certain other measures, including the proposed adoption of the Protocol on the Explosive Remnants of War. However, primary legislation is expected regarding the export of military and dual-use goods and brokering. Six months ago, five teenagers were able to import torture equipment into Ireland from South Africa and send it to the US. There does not seem to be any legislation in that regard.

Will the control of exports Bill start to tackle that loophole in our primary legislation? In the light of the peace process, one would think that we would get our own house in order when it comes to military hardware being sent around the world by Irish teenagers. They can do so if they wish because of the lack of primary legislation. Will that be dealt with in the Bill?

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