Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Applications for dual-use licences in respect of exports to any country are assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the assessment criteria set out in the regulation and the eight criteria set out in the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. In addition, my officials seek real-time geopolitical observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of any applications. These views inform the final decision to grant or deny a licence. The assessment process is rigorous. My officials carry out a series of checks to ensure, insofar as they can, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end user for the stated end purpose and will not be used or diverted for any other purpose.

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