Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Gibney for her question. The Department is the national competent authority with responsibility for the control of exports of dual-use and military items under EU and national legislation. The primary focus of export controls is not to block trade or exports but to enable the free movement of legitimate goods while ensuring that certain sensitive categories are subject to appropriate regulation. These controls are designed to manage risk, uphold international peace and security, and ensure Ireland's compliance with its international obligations.

The bulk of dual-use exports from Ireland are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software, including networking, data storage and cybersecurity. They are categorised as dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes. All export licence applications are considered by departmental officials in accordance with criteria set out in the relevant dual-use and military EU and national regulations, and with Ireland’s international obligations and responsibilities as a member of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. Each application is assessed individually, considering the nature of the items, the destination country, the identity of the end-user and the intended end use. The Department also consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on each application.

Under the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, the Department of Defence has committed to continuing to progress the interests of Irish SMEs to facilitate growth and ensure deeper engagement in the commercial dual-use area, both nationally and at EU level. I understand from my colleague, an Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, that while his Department will look to develop a more structured approach to enhance engagement with Irish SMEs in the area of dual use, the methodology around this support is being developed.

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