Written answers

Thursday, 23 November 2017

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Arms Trade

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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15. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the date for the publication of the annual report on export licensing activity undertaken under the Control of Exports Act 2008 for the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016; and if publication will occur before the end of 2017. [49608/17]

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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16. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the most recently published report under the Control of Exports Act 2008, covering the period January 2017 to June 2017; her further views on the volume of arms exports permitted by her Department to countries that form the Saudi Arabian alliance, which is engaged in the bombardment of Yemen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49606/17]

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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30. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the increase in the value of licences for arms exports from Ireland, issued by her Department, from €23 million to €132 million between the last six months of 2016 and the first six months of 2017; her further views on the fact that this is the first time since six monthly reports began to be published that the value of licences for arms exports has exceeded €100 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49607/17]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16 and 30 together.

The 2016 Annual Report under the Control of Exports Act,2008, was submitted to Government this week and will be laid before both houses of the Oireachtas and published as soon as it is translated into Irish.  I expect to publish the Report before the end of the year.

The objective of publishing these reports is to provide the public with a continuing enhanced level of transparency about exports of controlled goods and services.  My Department applies the highest international standards in the implementation of the export control regime.  Our policy of free trade and open markets must conform with the core principles of security, regional stability and human rights which underpin export controls. 

In regard to the increase of over €100 million in exports during the first half of 2017, I would like to clarify that this increase does not concern arms but rather goods that have a military classification.  This classification also includes goods that are exported temporarily for repair and maintenance, even including within the European Union.

The EU has a range of sanctions and measures in place in respect of countries engaged in conflicts. All licence applications are considered having regard to these measures.  Sanctions can include arms embargoes and various restrictive measures including prohibitions on the provision of targeted goods and services. My Department observes all arms embargos and trade sanctions when considering export licence applications. There are no EU sanctions in place in respect of Saudi Arabia.

All export licence applications, whether for Dual-Use or Military Goods are subject to rigorous scrutiny.  My Department has safeguards built into the licensing system which enable robust checks and cross-checks to ensure, as far as possible, that an item to be exported will be used by the stated end-user for the stated end-use, and will not be used for illicit purposes.

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 can and does refuse export licence applications where we have concerns about the ultimate end-user or end-use of a product.  In 2016, 3 licence applications were denied.  It is also the case that a company may withdraw a licence request, on the basis of information provided by my Department.

Only last week, I led a trade mission to Oman and the United Arab Emirates which included the announcement of multi-million euro deals for our companies.  Trade with the Gulf region is very important for Ireland as part of our response to Brexit and the need for diversification of markets for our companies.    

Let me be clear that the Government is extremely concerned about the current situation in Yemen, particularly as the humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate.  Both the ongoing war and the growing cholera epidemic are having devastating consequences for the civilian population.  The EU is the largest humanitarian donor to Yemen and Ireland has contributed some €10M to the EU’s €170M contribution to date. I would also say that this is effectively a civil war and no one country is responsible for the misery there.  There are many countries involved but taking a hard line with one side or the other will not solve this complex war.

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