Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Europe is rearming and the world is rearming. The International Defence Exhibition and Conference, IDEX, took place in Abu Dhabi from 17 February to 21 February. Arms manufacturers from all over the world participated and big money was made from selling the machinery of death and destruction. The United Arab Emirates signed deals there worth $6 billion. A strong Israeli presence was reported. Russia's deputy premier was there and a Russian company displayed armoured vehicles, attack helicopters and anti-aircraft missile systems used in Ukraine. "Few things illustrate the health of the arms industry like a massive defense fair", according to CNBC News. In publicity from the organisers, one of the countries listed as a participant at the expo for the first time was Ireland. Can the Taoiseach tell us whether the Irish State was represented? Did privately-owned Irish companies or Irish-based companies participate? Finally, were arms deals signed by either or both?

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