Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department is responsible for licensing the export of dual-use items. All applications for the export of dual-use items are reviewed by my officials on a case-by-case basis. The licensing process centres 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 illicit purposes. My officials seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the majority of export licence applications received. That Department provides feedback on any foreign policy concerns that may arise in respect of a proposed export.

The small arms survey provides an overview of the international trade in small arms and light weapons. As the Deputy notes the latest bulletin highlighted transparency concerns around the arms trade in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. My officials have reviewed details of all licences issued for the export of military items and components to those countries from 2007 to date. I can confirm that my Department has not issued any licences for the export of small arms and light weapons to Saudi Arabia or to the United Arab Emirates during that period.

All export licence applications are considered having regard to EU sanctions. There are currently no sanctions in place for Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

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