Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive phase two of the report from economic consultants (details supplied) Export Licensing for Military and Dual-Use Goods; if it is intended to publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13842/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A report on Ireland's export controls was submitted to me by Forfás on 30 April. The report contains a number of legislative and non-legislative recommendations aimed at improving Ireland's export control system. The report has been received by my Department and I will publish it shortly.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste has announced that she intends to publish legislation on the matter. She established the Fitzpatrick review. I presume that is the report she is expecting. I understand that a previous report commissioned by the Minister warned that UK-based arms brokers may decide to locate in the Republic to facilitate the arms trade. A number of newspaper articles indicate that this country is being used for the brokerage and sale of arms.

When will legislation be introduced to address the use of the country as a brokerage for the arms trade? Has the Minister specific proposals on foot of the initial consultant's report? What is the timeframe for the Fitzpatrick report?

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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We have just received the Fitzpatrick report, which is phase two of the process and looked at best international experience and what happens in four different countries. I intend to publish the report, but it is a logistical issue. The report recommends that we need new dedicated primary legislation on arms control if we want to come up to best practice internationally. The report suggests that we need to strengthen the legal base for establishing and enforcing the controls in Ireland. It also suggests that we must fill the gaps in the Irish system, including meeting existing EU commitments on the control of brokering activities. We are not in compliance with EU commitments in that regard. I hope to publish the report in the next few days and I will see to it that the spokespersons get a copy in the first instance.

The official involved with the legislation is very involved with World Trade Organisation talks process with the Presidency, but as soon as the Presidency is over we will begin drafting the relevant legislation.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there a commitment to introduce the primary legislation? Since the prime officials are otherwise engaged, will the Minister give an indicative timeframe for the legislation because it is of great concern to a number of people? What are the specific terms of reference of the phase two consultancy examination?

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Phase two is the Fitzpatrick report and the consultants were asked to talk to interested parties and to engage in a public consultation process. They met 40 different groups. They were asked to examine what happens internationally and make recommendations for change. That is what they have done. Should the Deputy wish, I will give him my briefing note. The consultants suggest that new legislation is required. While I have not brought this formally to the Government, I do not anticipate any difficulty. They suggest that responsibility be left with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and that a new licensing process, a reporting regime and an enforcement regime is necessary. It is quite detailed.

To be helpful, I will give the Deputy a copy of the summary I have at my disposal. I do not know how detailed or complex the legislation will be but, obviously, we will do this as quickly as possible because we have international commitments to meet and it is a sensitive and important area.