Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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10. To ask the Minister for Defence the measures that are in place to ensure that the technologies developed following co-operation between the Defence Forces and companies and research institutions involved with the research and development of military capabilities are not used in the violation of human rights. [1222/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There is an ongoing requirement to examine new and innovative means of improving capabilities in the security and the defence domain, so that the Defence Forces are in a position to undertake the roles assigned by Government.

In July 2011, the Government approved arrangements, whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development, by raising the awareness of and engaging with, Irish-based enterprise and research institutes, including third level colleges that are engaged in relevant and related activities. In turn, the Defence Forces would provide information and knowledge from its own experience on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere.

A policy framework and the requisite procedures to support this co-operation have been agreed between Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Defence.

The Defence Forces now participate with Irish based companies, research and training institutions, which have the capacity to contribute to Defence Forces capability and capacity development. In addition, subject to the provisions of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 2010, the Defence Forces also participate in relevant capability development projects at European level under the umbrella of the European Defence Agency.

Defence Forces military capabilities are never used in violation of human rights.