Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the increase of sales of armaments, often into the poorest countries by member states of the European Union; and the position being adopted by the Government towards the increase in the proportion of armaments globally that are sold by the European Union and individual countries within the EU. [33491/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of arms exports is legally a matter for national authorities, subject to internationally agreed restrictions, such as all EU, OSCE and UN arms embargoes. The Government does not have access to information on the precise details on armaments contracts made by other EU member states.

However, the promotion and support of international efforts to secure appropriate safeguards on the sale and transfer of armaments is a key priority of Irish foreign policy. There is a need to end destabilising accumulations of arms that can increase the potential for violence in areas of tension. 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 in particular of small arms and light weapons continues to bring much suffering to societies throughout that continent.

At present, the export of all arms from EU countries must also 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 situation 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.

In particular, I would draw the Deputy's attention to criterion 8 of the EU code of conduct, which provides that member states in authorising sales of armaments should consider, "The compatibility of the arms exports with the technical and economic capacity of the recipient country, taking into account the desirability that states should achieve their legitimate needs of security and defence with the least diversion for armaments of human and economic resources." A set of best practices for interpretation of this criterion has been recently agreed within the EU and work is underway to develop similar guidelines for other criteria of the code.

Moreover, the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 7 November endorsed a strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. The text contains an action plan which will be regularly reviewed and updated every six months. This strategy will be presented for adoption to the European Council next month.