Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

On behalf of Fine Gael, I welcome the Bill and I thank the Minister of State for its speedy passage. It represents real progress in an area in which we have had insufficient legislation. I thank the Minister of State for being open to the suggestions made throughout the course of the debate. The annual report system allows the Parliament a greater degree of scrutiny of arms exports. It is fair to state a large number of companies in Ireland are involved in legitimate trade which will be protected and will not be affected by this. It allows the State, where necessary, to ensure Irish business and industry is not providing arms, dual-use goods or technologies to countries and regimes we do not support or trust.

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