Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he favours an arms sale treaty in this jurisdiction and in the European Union, such as would end the sale of armaments to conflict zones in the poorest regions of the world by member states of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27214/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland fully supports strict controls on arms and is working within the European Union and at a number of international fora to develop such controls, including an international arms trade treaty, as referred to by the Deputy. There are too many examples of conflicts which are fuelled by the proliferation of conventional weapons. This is especially an issue of concern in Africa, where the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in particular continues to bring much suffering to societies throughout that continent.

At present, the export of arms from EU countries must conform to the EU code of conduct on arms exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods. These include respect for human rights, the internal conditions in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace, security and stability. Discussions are ongoing in the EU on the possible reinforcement of the code of conduct.

At UN level, EU member states, including Ireland, actively participated in negotiations which concluded last June with agreement on an international instrument on the tracing of illicit small arms and light weapons. This instrument will help the international community to understand, track and crack down on the illegal trade of these weapons.

With regard to the proposed international arms trade treaty, the General Affairs and External Relations Council at its meeting on 3 October acknowledged the growing support throughout the world for an international treaty to establish common standards for the global trade in conventional arms. It also agreed that binding standards, consistent with the existing responsibilities of states under relevant international law, would be critical in tackling proliferation. It was further agreed that the United Nations was the only forum that could deliver a truly universal instrument and the Council called for the start of a formal process at the UN at the earliest opportunity. Given the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, however, the realisation of such an international instrument is likely to be a lengthy process. Ireland will continue to participate fully within the UN and at other international fora to promote the objective of strengthening arms controls globally.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Is the Minister in a position to comment on the complete review of the 1998 European Union code of conduct on arms sales? Will he also comment on the significance of the support by 13 countries at the recent meeting at the United Nations for such a treaty? Is it of concern to him that one third of all arms deals in the world now come from the European Union? With the enlarged EU, more than 400 companies are involved in the production and sale of small arms. Is Ireland actively canvassing for the international arms sales treaty? Is he in favour of an induced requirement in terms of the production of armaments which may have dual uses?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Export control is primarily an issue for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is exploring the issue of strengthening controls and legislation in that respect.

On the question of whether Ireland is canvassing, I am vocal at all international fora and have been supportive of the proposal at recent EU meetings. While its need is acknowledged, most member states, not least Ireland, fully understand that this treaty should achieve a worldwide spread and account must be taken of the proliferation of small arms. I have figures on the type of financial assistance which we give to efforts around to world to deal with the proliferation of small arms. In the region of 600 million small arms are available worldwide and 300,000 people die from them annually. We are strong on this issue, given that we are a country which does not have an arms trade, and can speak with conviction to it.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Is the Minister concerned that the amount of funds committed to development is about 5% of the annual expenditure on armaments? Some EU countries, including participants in the recent Edinburgh summit, are major exporters of arms, in particular to African countries and sources of conflict. It is not a matter of export being a neutral measure. Arms make their way to third countries through, for example, Yemen with the practical co-operation of countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, France and Italy. These are all leading countries in the discourse on development.

The European Union speaks at the United Nations with ashes in its mouth when it has expanded its production and sale of armaments even into conflict zones and at the same time has not completed its review of the 1998 EU code of conduct on transfer of arms. Nor is it implementing an induced requirement, by which I mean allowing armaments, particularly from small companies, into the system without assuming responsibility for where they will eventually be used.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have raised the point made by the Deputy on what could only be termed hypocrisy in some of the statements on the issue of overseas development assistance from major countries which at the same time trade arms with developing countries. That is why Ireland can speak with some conviction with regard to our place in the world in this respect. I concur that a disproportionate trade exists in this area compared to some of the assistance given. It is also fair to say, however, that between 2003 and 2005 the EU spent in the region of €88 million in efforts to address the issue of excessive quantities of small arms. The code of conduct is being reinforced and discussions are ongoing in that respect.

The Deputy may not be aware that there are regular instances where countries refuse licences for the export of arms into other countries because of the principles set down in the existing code.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Despite the prohibition on export of arms to Zimbabwe, the export of 66 four-wheel trucks was defended by the Austrian Government on the basis that they were not fitted out with guns and combat equipment. Does the Minister agree that is a breech of the fundamental principle of the limited ban introduced by the EU regarding Zimbabwe?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot comment on that but we would be willing to investigate any matter which might break sanctions on Zimbabwe and to issue a condemnation if they are breached.