Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the publication of this Bill and commend the Minister of State on his excellent speech which outlined the background to this Bill. Sometimes it is not always evident how legislation comes about. This Bill seeks to limit the operations of arms brokers within Ireland and stems from the EU Common Position on arms brokering of 2003 that seeks to limit the operations of arms traders within the European Union. It also seeks to limit Irish individuals and businesses that carry out the arms trade in third countries. This Bill considers the control and limitation of force in the world today. It seeks to limit those involved in the weapons trade by granting licences according to stringent guidelines and granting the State the power to prosecute those who pursue unlawful trading, which is a welcome measure.

This legislation depends on the adoption of the agreement by the various countries of the European Union, a matter on which I would like to question the Minister of State. A 2004 Amnesty International report on arms trading outlines the countries which have adopted identical or similar legislation to this in Europe, praising Belgium, Finland, Slovakia and Sweden. What other EU states have adopted this legislation? The Bill depends on the whole of the European Union adopting the same or similar legislation to ensure a level playing field. It leaves deals involving conventional weapons to non-embargoed destinations unregulated.

The legislation before us seems to recognise and limit this form of trade but the importance of the whole of the EU adopting this legislation means there is something of an inequality when one state does not. Ireland has been very well behaved in adopting EU legislation. Some feel we are more advanced than most European countries in adopting European legislation into Irish law. This is a worthwhile and well-intentioned Bill but I wish to know more about the attitudes of other EU states to it.

There is also the question of the technology used in weapons of mass destruction. There is no doubt weapons of this nature pose a grave threat to international security. However, there is also a question of accountability. There is a concern that an individual or company which sells a computer or software, that is seemingly for normal use, to a particular country or individual could be found culpable if its technology were used by others in the construction of weapons. This gives rise to a sort of unintended consequence — one that is troubling and undoubtedly horrifying. However, the question remains as to whether an individual or company that sold a product in good faith is guilty of crimes under legislation such as that before us and this gives rise to many matters of concern.

The United Kingdom Government has not adopted legislation of this nature. The UK produces massive quantities of armaments, including that horrible invention the cluster bomb. Diana, Princess of Wales, who unfortunately died so tragically, was leading a campaign against armaments of this nature. She was a leading light in this regard and that did not go down well with the establishment in Britain at the time.

When I served as Minister of State with responsibility for trade and marketing, I was always conscious of the fact that we could not under any circumstances promote a product that could be used in the arms industry. We have high standards as far as neutrality is concerned. Ireland's economic progress has not been dependent on exporting arms or weapons of mass destruction. We do not produce bombs, bullets or guns. Young people should be proud of that for which the State stands. The Bill is important because it will ensure Ireland will not, under any circumstances, be used by brokers to facilitate the sale or distribution of arms or weapons to any other country.

The Bill is also worthwhile because it makes efficient provision in respect of the licensing of exports. I have never — either while I served in the Department or since I left — received any great level of representations regarding expediting licences for exports. Ireland is completely export oriented and it must ensure exporters are given every possible priority. We have in our midst Senator White who, in her life outside the House, is an extremely successful exporter of products. I refer to one product in particular in that regard, namely, Lir chocolates. I commend the Senator on the employment she has created in County Meath.

I commend the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, and, in particular, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, on the work they have done. The Minister of State has invested a great deal of effort in the areas for which he is responsible since his appointment five years ago. I am aware of the effort required in this regard and I know one is often obliged to engage in extensive travel on behalf of exporters and to lead trade missions abroad. One receives very little recognition in one's constituency in respect of this work, to which one must be extremely dedicated. The leading of export delegations by Ministers and Ministers of State has given rise to the creation of numerous jobs.

As the days of this Oireachtas and the current Administration draw to a close, I take this opportunity to wish the Minister of State well in the election. I also wish him well regarding the ministerial appointments — for which I hope my party will be responsible — that will be made after the election. The Minister has acquitted himself well in every way in his Department. His work in respect of the areas of commerce and trade has been exemplary. I had the honour of accompanying him to Milan and of watching him perform at first hand. As he is aware, I am preparing a report on exports at present and I will submit it to him in the near future.

I commend the Bill to the House. I wish to express my thanks, appreciation and respect to the excellent officials in the Department. I reiterate that the Minister of State's contribution was exemplary in explaining why the Bill is necessary. I applaud the research carried out in conjunction with Forfás and the consultation that took place before it was decided to introduce the Bill. The merits of the legislation and the economic benefits to which it will give rise were all elaborated on by the Minister of State. His contribution explained the position very well to anyone who would not have any great knowledge of thefield.

I wish the Bill a speedy passage through the Houses. I hope it will be enacted before the Government leaves office. I compliment Senator Coghlan, Fine Gael's spokesperson in this area, Senator Quinn, who is——