Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the review of the code of practices on armament sales within the European Union, and such related reviews as are being conducted within individual countries of the EU. [33490/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the EU code of conduct on arms exports. Currently, all exports of arms from EU countries must conform to the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control such exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods, including respect for human rights, the internal situation in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace, security and stability.

The review of the code of conduct on arms exports was initiated during Ireland's Presidency of the EU and takes account of developments since the code entered into force in 1998. Several proposals have been made to strengthen and update the code, including a proposal to reinforce its status by transforming it into an EU common position, which would be legally binding. Ireland is in favour of such a move. The examination of the code of conduct by officials from the member states is nearing finalisation at working group level. We believe that this, the first review of the code of conduct, is a very necessary and important undertaking for the EU and we have been supportive of efforts to strengthen it.

We have also had contacts with civil society on this issue. Representatives from several EU member states, including Ireland, met with a number of NGOs last May to discuss and exchange views on the ongoing review of the code. Ireland also subsequently circulated to all our EU partners, for their consideration, written suggestions made by NGOs for possible improvements.

As well as the review of the EU code of conduct on arms exports, the EU also recently carried out a peer review of its system governing the export of items which have both civilian and military applications. The first stage of the peer review was completed in July 2004. It was conducted in clusters of two to three countries each, which examined national legislation and its implementation in order to establish best practices in the enlarged Union. The Commission co-ordinated the peer review and was assisted by a task force, which drew up an analysis and recommendations based on reports from the clustered countries. The European Union is currently considering how best to implement those recommendations.