Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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6. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of dual-use export licences, by country, for each of the past five years. [62126/21]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Dual-use items are products and components, including software and technology, that can be used for both civil and military applications. The bulk of Dual-use exports from Ireland are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software, (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc). They are categorised as Dual-use items as a consequence of fact that they make use of strong encryption for security purposes.

In keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government, all applications for export licences are rigorously scrutinised by my officials, on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the relevant legislation. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. Applications are reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country. My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy considerations that may arise with the proposed export.

The value of individual export authorisations granted in respect exports of dual-use goods by destination country per year is set out in tabular format below. It should be noted that prior to 2018, the actual value of authorisations was not reported on by country of final destination, however records indicate that in 2016 the total value of authorisations granted in respect of exports to countries outside the EU was €394,631,000 and in 2017 that figure was €357,136,000.