Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To give the Deputy a bit of background, the key consideration in dealing with all export licence applications is to establish whether there are concerns with either the end user or the proposed end use. This process may include consultation with other controlled export authorities both within and outside the EU. Through these consultations, my Department has access to a wide range of information on proposed end users. This consultation process is a fundamental aspect of making a determination on the granting of a licence.

My Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on all military licence applications and on all sensitive dual-use export licence applications. That Department is able to draw on a wide range of resources when considering an export licence application. When assessing export licence applications, my Department's main focus is on ensuring as far as possible that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end user for the stated end use and will not be used for any illicit purposes.

Council Regulation (EC) No. 428/2009, as I mentioned earlier, sets out the considerations that must be taken into account when deciding whether to grant a dual-use export licence. The regulation provides that we take into account considerations such as any sanctions in force, any foreign policy or security concerns, any concerns about the proposed end use, or a risk of diversion. I can provide the relevant extract from the regulation to the Deputy if she wishes.

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