Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

580. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of any arms trade that Irish companies have with Israel; the projected value for same in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23303/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Items which are classified as "military goods" from an export control perspective and which are exported from Ireland involve components rather than military equipment. Military licences issued to date by the Department for the export of arms have been limited to those issued to individuals holding sports firearms.

All export licence applications, whether for Dual-Use or Military Goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and are considered in the light of the spirit and objectives of the 2008 EU Common Position on Arms Exports.

My officials are in regular contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on export licensing issues. They consult with that Department in respect of all military export licence applications. My officials seek observations on any foreign policy concerns that may arise in respect of a proposed export; such factors are subject to review in the light of developments in a given region. Any observations which may arise from this examination are considered in the final assessment of any licence application.

My Department may refuse an export licence, following consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other EU and Non-EU export licensing authorities, as appropriate.

My Department has not issued any licences for the export of arms to Israel and is not aware of any proposed exports in 2017.

The last occasion on which a licence with a military goods classification was issued for export to Israel was in 2014, in respect of components for a ground vehicle.  This was included in the Report published by my Department in 2015, under the Control of Exports Act.